German Immigrants (Immigration to the United States)

The original 13 families, who arrived in 1683 at the invitation of William Penn, are considered to be the first German immigrants to set foot in the American colonies. German Immigrants covers events such as the slowdown of German immigration due to the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) and the formation of labor unions by Germans. Oral histories from immigrants describe their experiences during their journeys and what they expected to find in their new homes. Concluding the book is a chapter on German Americans in the present day, including several cultural notes such as German festivals and Oktoberfests celebrated throughout the country and the influence of German companies on American industries. An appealing book for young readers, German Immigrants is sure to become a staple in all school and public libraries. History covered includes: The influence of German immigrant Gottfried Duden's promise that American land was easy to farm. The establishment of Germantown, Pennsylvania. The "redemption system of paying for passage to the colonies. The "indentured servant system. The attempt to create an all-German state in the 1830s and 1840s German immigrants' lives in the cities and their contributions to the Civil War Increased anti-German sentiments in the United States due to Germany's involvement in World War I World War II and its aftermath. The Jewish emigrants' place in German and American culture. The United States is truly a nation of immigrants, or as the poet Walt Whitman once said, a "nation of nations." For more than 200 years, people of diverse nationalities and religions from all over the world have come to America's shores seeking a new life The United States is truly a nation of immigrants. Spanning the time from when the Europeans first came to the New World, this book conveys the excitement of these stories to young people. It highlights the themes, people, places, and events that were important to each immigrant group. Discusses the reasons German people left their homeland to come to America, the experiences immigrants had in the new country, and the contributions this cultural group made to American society Discusses the history of German immigration to the United States and covers key issues, including the reasons for immigration, the struggles faced, and how the culture influenced Americans.