Introduction
The German immigrant story is a long one—a
story of early beginnings, continual growth, and steadily spreading
influence. Germans were among the first Europeans to make their
homes in the New World, and are among the United States' most
recent arrivals. They were aboard the first boats that came
ashore at Jamestown, and they built the rockets that took men
to the moon. In the years in between, they moved into nearly
every corner of the U.S., tried their hand at nearly every trade
and pursuit, and helped shape the fundamental institutions of
American life.
Though they endured their share of hardship,
they escaped much of the tragedy and harsh treatment that plagued
many immigrant groups. Today, more than 40 million Americans
claim German ancestry—more than any other group except the
British.
What factors might have contributed to the
Germans' unique immigration experience? |