What is the estimated number of German Americans in the United States according to recent census data, and what percentage of the total US population does this represent?

According to U.S. Census Bureau figures from 2022, German Americans constitute approximately 41 million people in the US, which is about 12% of the total population. This number reflects a decrease from the 2012 census, when 50.7 million Americans identified as German.

How does the U.S. Census Bureau categorize ancestry identification, and what was the breakdown for German Americans in the 2020 census?

The U.S. Census Bureau allows individuals to identify with multiple ancestries. In the 2020 census, roughly two-thirds of those identifying as German also identified with another ancestry, while one-third identified solely as German.

What is the historical significance of Pennsylvania for German immigrants in the United States?

Pennsylvania has the largest population of German Americans, with 3.5 million people of German ancestry. It was home to one of the earliest German settlements, Germantown, founded in 1683, which also became the birthplace of the American antislavery movement in 1688.

What were the primary 'push' and 'pull' factors that motivated Germans to immigrate to British America and later the United States?

Germans were 'pushed' from their homeland by worsening opportunities for farm ownership, religious persecution, and military conscription. They were 'pulled' to America by better economic conditions, the prospect of owning land, and religious freedom.

What cultural contributions are attributed to German Americans in the early history of the United States?

German Americans are credited with introducing the first kindergartens in the United States, popularizing the Christmas tree tradition, and introducing foods such as hot dogs and hamburgers to American cuisine.

When did the first significant groups of German immigrants arrive in the British colonies, and where did they primarily settle?

The first significant groups of German immigrants arrived in the British colonies in the 1670s, settling mainly in Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia.

What role did John Law's Mississippi Company play in German immigration to Louisiana?

John Law's Mississippi Company transported thousands of Germans from Europe to the German Coast in present-day Louisiana between 1718 and 1750, as part of an early colonization effort.

What were the conditions faced by the Palatine immigrants who arrived in America in 1709?

German Protestants from the Palatinate region escaped poverty and traveled to America, but faced difficult conditions during the sea voyage, including poor food and water quality and typhus, leading to many deaths, particularly among children.

Where were the Palatine immigrants initially settled in New York, and when were they allowed to purchase land in the Mohawk Valley?

The surviving Palatine immigrants were first settled in work camps along the Hudson River to pay off their passage. By 1723, Germans were the first Europeans permitted to buy land in the Mohawk Valley, west of Little Falls.

Who was John Peter Zenger, and what was his significance among early German Palatine immigrants?

John Peter Zenger was a famous early German Palatine immigrant who became an editor and led the fight for freedom of the press in colonial New York City.

How did German immigrants contribute to the development of Virginia's Germanna settlement?

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Alexander Spotswood recruited German miners to Germanna, established near modern-day Culpeper, Virginia, to develop a mining industry in the colony, naming the settlement in honor of the German immigrants and Queen Anne.

What was the significance of the Wachovia Tract in North Carolina for German Moravians?

German Moravians, led by August Gottlieb Spangenberg, purchased a large tract in North Carolina in 1753, which they named Wachovia. They established German settlements there, including Bethabara and Salem, the latter becoming home to Salem College.

What impact did the American Revolution have on German settlers in Pennsylvania and upstate New York?

In Pennsylvania, many German settlers were Loyalists, possibly due to loyalty to the British monarchy or fear of losing land grants. In upstate New York, many Germans remained neutral or supported the Loyalist cause during the Revolution.

What was Fries's Rebellion, and where and when did it occur?

Fries's Rebellion was an anti-tax movement among Germans in Pennsylvania that took place in 1799-1800.

What was the period of the largest flow of German immigration to America, and what was their demographic impact?

The largest flow of German immigration occurred between 1820 and World War I, with nearly six million Germans immigrating. From 1840 to 1890, they constituted the largest immigrant group.

Who were the 'Forty-Eighters', and what was their background?

The 'Forty-Eighters' were political refugees who fled to America following the Revolutions of 1848 in the German states. This group included professionals, journalists, and politicians, with notable figures like Carl Schurz and Henry Villard.

What were 'Latin Settlements' in the context of German immigration?

'Latin Settlements' referred to communities established by German intellectuals, including freethinkers and Latinists, who sought to devote themselves to German literature, philosophy, science, classical music, and the Latin language, primarily in Texas and Missouri starting in the 1830s.

How did German Jews differ from East European Jews in their immigration patterns and settlement in the U.S. during the 19th century?

German Jews began arriving in larger numbers after 1820, particularly in the mid-19th century, spreading across the North and South and forming small communities. They are distinct from the Yiddish-speaking East European Jews who arrived later in much larger numbers and concentrated in New York.

Which cities in the Midwest became favored destinations for German immigrants in the 19th century, and what was their population proportion by 1900?

Midwestern cities like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Chicago were favored destinations. By 1900, the populations of Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati were over 40% German American, with even higher proportions in cities like Dubuque and Davenport, Iowa.

What impact did World War I have on German Americans and their cultural institutions?

During WWI, German Americans faced intense anti-German sentiment, accusations of disloyalty, and suppression of German language use in schools, businesses, and public life. Many German-language publications closed, and cultural institutions were significantly impacted.

What specific measures were taken against German Americans during World War I due to anti-German sentiment?

Measures included the imprisonment of German aliens, forced purchase of war bonds, barring individuals with German last names from organizations like the Red Cross, lynching of individuals like Robert Prager, tarring and feathering of a minister, renaming of streets and businesses, and the elimination or discouragement of German language instruction in schools.

How did the German American community's political leanings generally align during the Third Party System (1850s-1890s)?

During the Third Party System, German American Protestants and Jews tended to lean towards the Republican Party, while Catholics were strongly Democratic. Germans generally voted against prohibition and distrusted moralistic crusaders.

What role did German Americans play in the American Civil War?

German Americans were the largest immigrant group to participate in the Civil War, with over 176,000 soldiers born in Germany volunteering for the Union Army. Their sentiment was largely anti-slavery, and they formed many German regiments.

Who was Major General Franz Sigel, and why was he popular among German immigrants during the Civil War?

Franz Sigel was the highest-ranking German officer in the Union Army. Many German immigrants enlisted to fight under his command, famously stating they were enlisting 'mit Sigel'.

How did Western railroads encourage German immigration for farming purposes?

Western railroads established agencies in German cities to promote immigration, promising cheap transportation and offering farmland sales on easy terms, with the Santa Fe railroad selling over 300,000 acres to German-speaking farmers.

What characterized the German Americans' approach to farming and land ownership?

German Americans showed a strong interest in farming and maintaining land within families, using risk-averse strategies and careful inheritance planning. Their communities often featured smaller average farm sizes, greater equality, less absentee ownership, and greater geographic persistence.

What was the impact of World War II on German Americans, particularly concerning their ethnic identity?

Similar to WWI, WWII also created difficulties for German Americans, forcing them to shed distinctive German characteristics and assimilate into general U.S. culture. The rise of Nazism made German ethnicity a source of social discomfort, leading to a decline in overt expressions of German-American opinion.

What specific actions did the U.S. government take against German citizens residing in the U.S. during World War II?

Under the Alien Registration Act of 1940, German-born resident aliens were required to register, and their travel and property rights were restricted. The Alien Enemy Act of 1798 was used to intern nearly 11,000 German citizens between 1940 and 1948, with civil rights violations occurring.

How did the German American identity change after World War I, according to historians like Melvin G. Holli?

Historians note that after WWI, German American ethnicity became less conspicuous in public expression. Many German Americans, particularly in cities, muted their ethnic identity, with self-identifiers plummeting as claiming German nationality became painful.

What factors contributed to the 'apparent disappearance' of German American identity in the 20th century?

Factors included extreme and sustained pressure to abandon ethnic identity due to WWI and WWII, internal divisions within the German American community (religious, political, regional), and the pervasive influence of English-language popular culture via movies and radio.

What was the significance of the Bennett Law in Wisconsin regarding German Americans?

The Bennett Law, passed in Wisconsin in 1889, required English to be used for teaching major subjects in all schools, significantly impacting German-language private schools and causing resentment among German American communities, leading to political shifts.

What cultural contributions are German Americans known for in terms of cuisine and beverages?

German Americans influenced American cuisine with dishes like hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, sauerkraut, and strudel. They also introduced pretzels and were pioneers in the American beer industry, particularly lager brewing.

Which major German-American brewing families established prominent breweries in the late 19th century?

Prominent German-American families in the brewing industry included those associated with Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst, Miller, Anheuser-Busch, Coors, and Yuengling.

What role did German Americans play in the development of American music and musical organizations?

German Americans were instrumental in establishing a vibrant musical culture, creating popular bands, singing societies (*Vereine*), operas, and symphonic orchestras in many major cities. The Moravian Church settlements also had highly developed musical cultures.

What was the purpose and impact of Turner societies in the United States?

Turner societies were organized in the mid-19th century to provide German American immigrants with social and sports activities, promote ethnic identity, and facilitate integration. Many Turners participated in the Civil War, some serving as bodyguards for President Lincoln.

How did the German-language press function within immigrant communities in the late 19th century?

The German-language press, with over 800 publications by the late 19th century, helped immigrants learn about their new home, maintain connections to Germany, and foster ethnic loyalty. These papers reported on political and diplomatic events involving Germany from the perspective of American readers.

What is the 'Muhlenberg legend' concerning the German language in the U.S.?

The Muhlenberg legend is a false claim suggesting that German was almost the official language of the U.S. or that there was a serious proposal to make it so, which never occurred.

What impact did the World Wars have on the persistence of the German language in the United States?

World War I and II significantly impacted the German language. Anti-German sentiment led to the discontinuation of German language instruction in schools, the closure of German-language publications, and a general decline in its public use, forcing many to assimilate to English.

Which states have the highest proportions of German Americans according to recent census data?

States with the highest proportions of German Americans tend to be in the upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas, all reporting over 30% German ancestry.

In which major U.S. regions was German the most-reported ancestry?

German was the most-reported ancestry in the Midwest, second in the West, and third in both the Northeast and the South. It was the top reported ancestry in 23 states.

What is the significance of the Hermann Heights Monument in New Ulm, Minnesota, for German Americans?

Erected by the Sons of Hermann, the Hermann Heights Monument honors Hermann the Cheruscan, a symbol of unity for German immigrants facing anti-German sentiment in the 19th century.

What were the primary factors that led to the assimilation of German Americans?

Assimilation was driven by external pressures from WWI and WWII, the stigma associated with Nazism and the Holocaust, and internal divisions within the community based on religion, politics, and regional origins, which weakened unified leadership and fostered interaction with non-German counterparts.

How did the German American experience differ from that of other immigrant groups regarding assimilation pressures?

German Americans faced extreme and sustained pressure to abandon their ethnic identity, unlike groups like the Irish or Poles, whose nationalistic sentiments were sometimes bolstered by wartime events. Germans were pressured to adopt an American identity, whereas other groups were sometimes pressured towards exclusion.

What role did religious diversity play in the assimilation of German Americans?

The significant religious diversity among German immigrants, including Lutherans, Catholics, Jews, and freethinkers, contributed to internal divisions rather than unity, making them more susceptible to assimilation pressures and hindering the formation of stable ethnic communities.

Which U.S. presidents have had German ancestry?

Three U.S. presidents had fathers of German descent: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Herbert Hoover, and Donald Trump. Additionally, Harry Truman, Richard Nixon, and Barack Obama had maternal German ancestry.

What notable contributions did German Americans make to the field of computing?

German Americans made significant contributions to computing through figures like Herman Hollerith (tabulating machine), Howard H. Aiken, George Stibitz, Joseph Weizenbaum, Douglas Engelbart, and Donald Knuth.

Which German American figures were prominent in the aerospace and space exploration industries?

Wernher von Braun, along with many leading engineers from the German V-2 rocket program, were brought to the U.S. after WWII, significantly contributing to U.S. military rockets, NASA's space program, and the Apollo program.

What is the significance of the German-American Steuben Parade in New York City?

The German-American Steuben Parade, held annually in September, is one of the most well-known celebrations of German heritage in the United States.

Which Midwestern cities had populations that were over 40% German American by 1900?

By 1900, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati all had populations that were more than 40% German American.

What is the historical context of the term 'Pennsylvania Dutch'?

The term 'Pennsylvania Dutch' originated from the German word 'Deutsch,' meaning 'German,' and referred to the German-speaking settlers in Pennsylvania, encompassing various religious groups like Lutherans, Reformed, Mennonites, and Amish.

How did the German American community's religious diversity influence their social and political cohesion?

The diversity of religious beliefs among German Americans, including Lutherans, Catholics, and various Protestant sects, often led to internal divisions that hindered their ability to form a unified political bloc or resist external pressures for assimilation.

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Origins and Identity

Defining German Americans

German Americans represent a significant demographic group within the United States, comprising individuals with full or partial German ancestry. According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 44.9 million Americans identified as having German ancestry, either solely or in combination with other ancestries. This figure constitutes roughly 13.57% of the total U.S. population, underscoring the profound and lasting influence of German immigration on American society.

Census Data Insights

The U.S. Census Bureau categorizes ancestry reporting into two main types: "alone" and "alone or in combination." In the 2020 census, about two-thirds of those identifying German ancestry also reported other ancestries, while one-third identified exclusively as German. This reflects the deep integration and intermingling of German heritage within the broader American cultural tapestry over centuries.

Global Context

German Americans constitute a substantial portion, approximately one-third, of the global population identifying with German ancestry. This highlights the United States as a primary destination for German emigrants throughout history, drawn by opportunities for economic advancement, religious freedom, and political stability.

A Historical Tapestry

Colonial Foundations (17th-18th Centuries)

German immigration to North America began in the late 17th century, with initial settlements in Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. Key motivations included escaping post-Thirty Years' War instability, religious persecution, and economic hardship in Germany, coupled with the allure of abundant land and religious tolerance in the colonies. The founding of Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1683 marked a significant early milestone.

Early Arrivals: Physician Johannes Fleischer accompanied early English settlers to Jamestown, Virginia.
Palatine Immigration: Around 1710, Protestant Germans from the Palatinate region arrived in large numbers, settling along the Hudson River in New York and later expanding into the Mohawk Valley.
Pennsylvania Dutch: Significant migration to Pennsylvania led to the development of a distinct cultural group known as the Pennsylvania Dutch (from "Deutsch"), characterized by their farming prowess and unique dialect.
Southern Settlements: German communities were established in Louisiana (German Coast), Virginia (Germanna), North Carolina (Wachovia), and Georgia.
Notable Figures: John Peter Zenger (press freedom advocate) and John Jacob Astor (fur trade magnate) were prominent early German immigrants.

The 19th Century Surge

The 19th century witnessed a dramatic increase in German immigration, driven by political upheaval (e.g., the Revolutions of 1848), economic opportunities, and improved transportation. Germans became the largest immigrant group during this period, significantly shaping the demographic landscape, particularly in the Midwest.

Mass Migration: Nearly six million Germans immigrated between 1820 and World War I.
Midwest Settlement: Cities like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Chicago became major hubs for German immigrants, who also established numerous farms.
Forty-Eighters: Political refugees from the 1848 revolutions included intellectuals and professionals like Carl Schurz and Henry Villard.
Texas Germans: A distinct wave settled in Texas, establishing unique cultural enclaves.
Germans from Russia: Descendants of Germans invited by Catherine the Great settled in the Great Plains, maintaining distinct traditions.
Civil War Participation: Over 176,000 German-born soldiers served in the Union Army, forming a significant portion of the immigrant contribution to the war effort.

World Wars and Shifting Identities

The World Wars profoundly impacted German Americans, fostering periods of intense anti-German sentiment and suspicion. While many served loyally in the U.S. military, cultural practices and the German language faced suppression due to wartime hysteria.

World War I: Characterized by widespread anti-German sentiment, leading to the renaming of places and businesses, suppression of German language instruction, and internment of some German aliens.
World War II: While German Americans largely supported the Allied effort, German aliens faced registration, travel restrictions, and internment under the Alien Enemy Act. Figures like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Chester W. Nimitz, of German descent, held high command positions.
Cultural Assimilation: The pressures of wartime led many German Americans to anglicize surnames and reduce public use of the German language.

Demographic Landscape

Geographic Distribution

German Americans are distributed nationwide, though concentrations are notably higher in the Midwest and parts of the West. States like Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, and Nebraska exhibit particularly high percentages of residents claiming German ancestry. Conversely, regions like New England, California, New Mexico, and the Deep South generally show lower proportions.

The following table presents the estimated number and percentage of Americans reporting German ancestry by state, based on 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data:

Estimated German American Population by State (2020)
State	Number	Percentage
Alabama	303,109	6.19%
Alaska	105,160	14.27%
Arizona	913,671	12.74%
Arkansas	279,279	9.27%
California	2,786,161	7.08%
Colorado	1,039,001	18.28%
Connecticut	300,323	8.41%
Delaware	116,569	12.05%
District of Columbia	51,073	7.28%
Florida	1,943,171	9.16%
Georgia	669,497	6.37%
Hawaii	82,087	5.78%
Idaho	291,509	16.62%
Illinois	2,175,044	17.10%
Indiana	1,378,584	20.59%
Iowa	1,016,154	32.26%
Kansas	703,246	24.14%
Kentucky	585,036	13.11%
Louisiana	312,583	6.70%
Maine	105,181	7.84%
Maryland	728,155	12.06%
Massachusetts	384,109	5.59%
Michigan	1,849,636	18.54%
Minnesota	1,753,612	31.31%
Mississippi	143,117	4.80%
Missouri	1,366,691	22.32%
Montana	256,295	24.14%
Nebraska	623,006	32.38%
Nevada	303,225	10.01%
New Hampshire	117,188	8.65%
New Jersey	867,285	9.76%
New Mexico	166,848	7.96%
New York	1,809,206	9.27%
North Carolina	997,739	9.61%
North Dakota	280,834	36.93%
Ohio	2,730,617	23.39%
Oklahoma	483,973	12.25%
Oregon	721,995	17.29%
Pennsylvania	2,915,171	22.78%
Rhode Island	53,192	5.03%
South Carolina	471,940	9.27%
South Dakota	314,246	35.74%
Tennessee	612,083	9.04%
Texas	2,429,525	8.48%
Utah	326,656	10.37%
Vermont	63,376	10.15%
Virginia	876,286	10.30%
Washington	1,177,478	15.67%
West Virginia	282,257	15.62%
Wisconsin	2,195,662	37.81%
Wyoming	131,730	22.66%
United States	42,589,571	13.04%

Community Concentrations

While German Americans are widespread, certain smaller communities exhibit exceptionally high percentages of German ancestry. These often reflect historical settlement patterns, particularly in the Midwest. For instance, several townships in Ohio and Illinois report German ancestry percentages exceeding 75%, indicating strong, persistent cultural enclaves.

Notable communities with the highest percentages of German ancestry include:

Monterey, Ohio (83.6%)
Granville Township, Ohio (79.6%)
St. Henry, Ohio (78.5%)
Germantown Township, Illinois (77.6%)
Jackson, Indiana (77.3%)
Washington Township, Ohio (77.2%)
St. Rose, Illinois (77.1%)
Butler, Ohio (76.4%)
Marion Township, Ohio (76.3%)
Jennings, Ohio & Germantown, Illinois (75.6%)

Larger cities with significant German-American populations include Bismarck (ND), Dubuque (IA), St. Cloud (MN), Fargo (ND), Madison (WI), Green Bay (WI), Erie (PA), Cincinnati (OH), Pittsburgh (PA), and Columbus (OH).

Language and Assimilation

While German was once widely spoken, assimilation has led to a decline in its use. Today, fewer than five percent of German Americans speak German fluently. However, regional dialects like Pennsylvania Dutch persist, and cultural traditions remain vibrant through festivals and community organizations, demonstrating a complex interplay between heritage preservation and assimilation.

Cultural Imprint

Traditions Introduced

German immigrants introduced several cherished traditions to American culture. The practice of decorating a Christmas tree, popularized in the mid-19th century, became a widespread holiday custom. Furthermore, German immigrants established the first kindergartens in the United States, emphasizing early childhood education and play-based learning.

Culinary Influence

The American culinary landscape has been significantly enriched by German immigrants. Iconic foods such as the hot dog (from Frankfurter) and the hamburger (from Hamburg) trace their origins to German culinary traditions brought to the U.S. Many regional variations of sausages, pastries, and beer brewing also stem from German heritage.

Arts and Philosophy

German Americans have made notable contributions to American arts, music, and philosophy. The intellectual currents of German thought, including philosophy and literature, influenced American intellectual life. The establishment of German-language newspapers and cultural societies fostered a rich environment for preserving and disseminating these traditions.

Enduring Contributions

Industry and Innovation

German Americans played a vital role in the industrial development of the United States. From the Studebaker brothers' wagon and automobile manufacturing to the brewing empires established in cities like Milwaukee (Pabst, Schlitz, Miller, Blatz), their entrepreneurial spirit and skilled craftsmanship significantly shaped American industry.

Political and Social Impact

German Americans influenced the political landscape, advocating for causes such as religious freedom and opposing prohibitionist movements. Figures like Carl Schurz, a prominent Forty-Eighter, served as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of the Interior, championing civil service reform and advocating for immigrant rights. The community's political leanings shifted over time, reflecting diverse views on issues like slavery, temperance, and foreign policy.

Science and Academia

The intellectual contributions are substantial. German immigrants, including academics and scientists fleeing political turmoil, enriched American academia. Hugo Münsterberg, a pioneering psychologist at Harvard, significantly advanced the field of applied psychology. Albert Einstein, fleeing Nazi persecution, found refuge and continued his groundbreaking work in the United States.

Distinct Communities

Regional Concentrations

Beyond broad demographic trends, specific regions and cities developed strong German-American identities. The Midwest, with cities like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and St. Louis, became known as a "German belt." Areas like the "Over-the-Rhine" district in Cincinnati and "German Village" in Columbus, Ohio, stand as testaments to this historical presence.

Diverse Groups

The German American population is not monolithic. It includes diverse subgroups such as the Pennsylvania Dutch, German Jews who contributed significantly to commerce and philanthropy (e.g., Lehman Brothers), and the Germans from Russia who settled the Great Plains, each bringing unique cultural and linguistic elements.

German-Americans of Color

Historical records indicate the presence of German-speaking African Americans, some of whom were Jewish or adopted into German-American families. In Texas, Tejano culture has been influenced by German immigrants, and many African Americans in German-speaking communities learned the German language, reflecting the complex ethnic interactions within the United States.

Political Engagement

Voting Patterns and Influence

German Americans participated actively in the political process, often voting as blocs based on religious affiliation and social issues. Protestants and Jews tended to align with the Republican Party, while Catholics often favored the Democratic Party. Key issues like prohibition, free silver, and foreign policy significantly influenced their voting behavior across different eras.

Social Movements

German immigrants were involved in various social movements, including labor unions and, in some cases, socialist and anarchist groups. The Haymarket Affair in Chicago involved several German immigrants, highlighting their participation in the burgeoning labor movements of the late 19th century.

Navigating Loyalty

The issue of loyalty, particularly during the World Wars, presented challenges. While the majority demonstrated strong American patriotism, anti-German sentiment led to scrutiny and discrimination. The political actions of figures like Hermann Raster, who passionately supported Abraham Lincoln and the Union cause, exemplify the complex loyalties within the community.

Enduring Legacy

Cultural Persistence

Despite widespread assimilation, German-American culture continues to manifest through festivals like Oktoberfest, heritage societies, and the preservation of regional dialects and traditions. These celebrations underscore a continued connection to German roots and their contribution to the American mosaic.

Lasting Impact

From foundational industries and agricultural practices to cultural norms and political discourse, the German American influence is deeply embedded in the fabric of the United States. Their history reflects a narrative of adaptation, resilience, and significant contribution to the nation's development.

Contemporary Presence

Today, German Americans remain a vital demographic group. While the German language has largely receded, the cultural legacy endures. Ongoing research and community efforts continue to explore and celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of German Americans across the nation.

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References

Zane L. Miller, "Cincinnati Germans and the Invention of an Ethnic Group", Queen City Heritage: The Journal of the Cincinnati Historical Society 42 (Fall 1984): 13â22

On Illinois see, Raymond Lohne, "Team of Friends: A New Lincoln Theory and Legacy", Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society Fall/Winter2008, Vol. 101 Issue 3/4, pp 285â314

Paul Kleppner, The Third Electoral System, 1853â1892: Parties, Voters, and Political Cultures (1979) pp 147â58 maps out the political beliefs of key subgroups.

De Grauwe, Luc, "Emerging mother-tongues awareness in Dutch and German". In Linn & McLelland (eds). Standardization: Studies from the Germanic Languages. p. 101, 104, passim.

Henry Augustus Muhlenberg, The Life of Major-General Peter Muhlenberg: Of the Revolutionary Army (1849). online

Birte Pfleger, "'Miserable Germans' and Fries's Rebellion: Language, Ethnicity, and Citizenship in the Early Republic," Early American Studies: an Interdisciplinary Journal 2004 2#2: 343â361

Naomi Wiener Cohen, Encounter with Emancipation: The German Jews in the United States, 1830â1914 (Varda Books, 2001).

Zev Eleff, Who Rules the Synagogue?: Religious Authority and the Formation of American Judaism (Oxford Up, 2016).

Cornelia Wilhelm, The Independent Orders of B'nai B'rith and True Sisters: Pioneers of a New Jewish Identity, 1843â1914 (2011).

Census data from Bureau of the Census, Thirteenth census of the United States taken in the year 1910 (1913)

Sonya Salamon, Prairie Patrimony: Family, Farming, and Community in the Midwest (U. of North Carolina Press, 1992) pp. 53, 101

Hartmut Keil, and John B. Jentz, eds., German Workers in Industrial Chicago, 1850â1910: A Comparative Perspective (1983).

Jutta Spillmann, and Lothar Spillmann. "The rise and fall of Hugo MÃ¼nsterberg." Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 29#4 (1993): 322â338.

Rory T. Conley, Arthur Preuss: Journalist and Voice of German and Conservative Catholics in America, 1871â1934 (1998).

Jutta Spillmann and Lothar Spillmann. "The rise and fall of Hugo MÃ¼nsterberg." Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 29.4 (1993) 322â338.

Andrew Yox, "The German-American Community as a Nationality, 1880â1940", Yearbook of German-American Studies 2001 36: 181â193; Kazal (2004)

Lucile E. Hackett, "Johann Conrad Beissel: Early German-American Mystic and Musician", Studies in Puritan American Spirituality 1995 5: 95â121

Edward C. Wolf, "Wheeling's German Singing Societies", West Virginia History 1980â1981 42(1â2): 1â56

Erna Ottl Gwinn, "The Liederkranz in Louisville, 1848â1877", Filson Club History Quarterly 1975 49(3): 276â290,

Jessica C. E. Gienow-Hecht, "Trumpeting down the Walls of Jericho: The Politics of Art, Music and Emotion in German-American Relations, 1870â1920", Journal of Social History 2003 36(3): 585â613,

Annette R. Hofmann, "Transformation and Americanization: The American Turners and Their New Identity", International Journal of the History of Sport 2002 19(1): 91â118

Richard Jensen, The Winning of the Midwest: Social and Political Conflict, 1888â1896 (1971) ch. 5

La Verne Rippley, The German Americans, Lanham, Maryland: University Press of America, 1984, p. 164.

Dobbert, G.A. "German-Americans between New and Old Fatherland, 1870-1914." American Quarterly. 19.4 (1967): 663-680.

Shell, Marc. "Hyphens: Between Deitsch and American." Multilingual America. Ed.. Werner Sollors. New York City: New York University Press, 1998.

Thomas Adam (Ed.), Germany and the Americas: Culture, Politics, and History, Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO, 2005, p. 319.

Annette R. Hofmann, "Between Ethnic Separation and Assimilation: German Immigrants and Their Athletic Endeavours in Their New American Home Country", International Journal of the History of Sport 2008 25(8): 993â1009

Donald B. Kraybill and Nelson Hostetter: Anabaptist World USA, 2001, Scottdale, PA, and Waterloo, ON, page 115.

Robert J. Ulrich, The Bennett Law of Eighteen Eighty-Nine: Education and Politics in Wisconsin (1981).

A full list of references for this article are available at the German Americans Wikipedia page

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This content has been generated by an AI model, drawing upon historical data and academic sources, primarily Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, the information reflects a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or recent developments.

Historical Contextualization: The interpretation of historical events and demographic data can be subject to scholarly debate. This overview aims for neutrality but may reflect inherent biases present in the source material or the AI's training data. Readers are encouraged to consult primary sources and diverse academic perspectives for a comprehensive understanding.

Data Limitations: Census data and historical records provide estimates and classifications that evolve over time. The figures presented herein should be considered approximations reflecting the available data at the time of compilation.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or interpretations of the information provided. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

Echoes of the Rhine

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Origins and Identity 🇩🇪

👥 Defining German Americans

📊 Census Data Insights

🌍 Global Context

A Historical Tapestry 📜

🏛️ Colonial Foundations (17th-18th Centuries)

📈 The 19th Century Surge

⚔️ World Wars and Shifting Identities

Demographic Landscape 📊

📍 Geographic Distribution

🏘️ Community Concentrations

🗣️ Language and Assimilation

Cultural Imprint ✨

🎄 Traditions Introduced

🍔 Culinary Influence

🎶 Arts and Philosophy

Enduring Contributions 🌟

🏭 Industry and Innovation

🏛️ Political and Social Impact

🔬 Science and Academia

Distinct Communities 🏘️

🗺️ Regional Concentrations

🤝 Diverse Groups

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏻 German-Americans of Color

Political Engagement 🗳️

⚖️ Voting Patterns and Influence

✊ Social Movements

🤔 Navigating Loyalty

Enduring Legacy ✨

🏛️ Cultural Persistence

💡 Lasting Impact

🌐 Contemporary Presence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Origins and Identity

Defining German Americans

Census Data Insights

Global Context

A Historical Tapestry

Colonial Foundations (17th-18th Centuries)

The 19th Century Surge

World Wars and Shifting Identities

Demographic Landscape

Geographic Distribution

Community Concentrations

Language and Assimilation

Cultural Imprint

Traditions Introduced

Culinary Influence

Arts and Philosophy

Enduring Contributions

Industry and Innovation

Political and Social Impact

Science and Academia

Distinct Communities

Regional Concentrations

Diverse Groups

German-Americans of Color

Political Engagement

Voting Patterns and Influence

Social Movements

Navigating Loyalty

Enduring Legacy

Cultural Persistence

Lasting Impact

Contemporary Presence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations