German immigrants came to America for two main reasons: to seek opportunities in the New World; and to avoid political and economic problems in Europe. In German Settlement in Missouri; Robyn Burnett and Ken Luebbering demonstrate the crucial role that the German immigrants and their descendants played in the settlement and development of Missouri's architectural; political; religious; economic; and social landscape. Relying heavily on unpublished memoirs; letters; diaries; and official records; the authors provide important new narratives and firsthand commentary from the immigrants themselves.Between 1800 and 1919; more than 7 million people came to the United States from German-speaking lands. The German immigrants established towns as they moved up the Missouri River into the frontier; resuming their traditional ways as they settled. As a result; the culture of the frontier changed dramatically. The Germans farmed differently from their American neighbors. They started vineyards and wineries; published German-language newspapers; and entered Missouri politics.The decades following the Civil War brought the golden age of German culture in the state. The populations of many small towns were entirely German; and traditions from the homeland thrived. German-language schools; publications; and church services were common. As the German businesses in St. Louis and other towns flourished; the immigrants and their descendants prospered. The loyalty of the Missouri Germans was tested in World War I; and the anti-immigrant sentiment during the war and the period of prohibition after it dealt serious blows to their culture. However; German traditions had already found their way into mainstream American life.Informative and clearly written; German Settlement in Missouri will be of interest to all readers; especially those interested in ethnic history.
#1719119 in Books 2011-11 2011-11-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x 1.30 x 6.40l; 1.80 #File Name: 0824835735416 pages
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