Classic

german immigration

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by sfbptsz
Last updated 10 years ago

Discipline:
Social Studies Subject:
History

german immigration

Clarification: Germany was not founded until 1871. Previously, it was divided into germanic states.

This way to America

Why They Left & The Journey

Assimilation, Life, and Immigration Count

Why America & Where Settled

1798 - The Alien and Sedition Acts These acts gave the president the power to deport aliens if their original country was at war with America. In addition, it made it harder to become a citizen. This made it particularly difficult for Germans during WWII.

They left because they sought religious freedom, freedom from the military, freedom from political oppression, lower costs, freedom from famine, and jobs. 1848 was a time when revolutions for republic type governments forced tighter laws on the people. Land was running out and so the prices rose.

German Immigration

"I immediately rented an apartment and bought the necessary furniture, but I didn't have any work until the 3rd of July. Then I got work at the Schoeneberg Steelmill where I earned $4.50 per week. But it was heavy hard work, work such as I had never done before. Every month I had to pay $4.50 rent. I worked in the Schoeneberg Steelmill until the 15th of November, 1849 [more than one year], but with my daily work and earnings I was unable to save anything because both rent and food cost too much."

German immigrants mainly settled in large clusters. These large German clusters slowed the assimilation process. However, those who joined with labor unions for benefits assisted their assimilation. The German people added to the American Christmas. With their immigrants, they brought the tradition of giving gifts and the Christmas tree. In addition, work forces were strengthened by the influx of their laborers. Having a stable life upon arriving in the United States was difficult. For one German immigrant, it took 2 months upon arrival to find a job. The work was like nothing the usual German immigrant had done previous due to less industrialization in Germany. A quarter of one’s monthly pay is used for rent in an apartment. After having poor luck, they switch to different jobs trying for better chances. According to Indiana University’s German-American Center, 4994741 Germans immigrants arrived from 1820-1899. From 1900 – 1988, 2034517 German immigrants moved to the United States.

The Journey - From the germanic states/Germany, immigrants would travel around Great Britain to reach the Atlantic Ocean. From there, they would cross the vast body of water for America. The ride by ship was often a dull experience. One Michael Radke wrote weather and fish descriptions for days at sea.

Born: December 18, 1860 Place of Birth: Bremen U.S. Arrival: Minnesota, 1883 Children: 4, U.S. born Died: April 13, 1936

German immigrants chose America because land was cheaper and more available. Opportunity, as well, was an incentive along with old frontier life than the increasingly industrial Germany. They sought new homes mostly in the mid-west and western part of the U.S. The farther into the frontier, the more farming became a common life. States which German immigrants arrived in included Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, California, New York, and Pennsylvania.