Central European Influence On American Culture Essay

As early as the 1600’s, Central Europeans have been immigrating to the United States. Settlers from Germany, the former Soviet Union, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein came for various reasons. World wars, the collapse of the Soviet Union, economic disparities, and dissatisfaction with their government were among the most common reasons. Each ethnic group influenced American culture by introducing new foods, music, and literature. Immigrants chose different areas to settle in America thus adding to the diversity of the United States. In 1681, Germans settled in Germantown, Pennsylvania. Today, Germans are considered one of the largest ethnic groups in the U.S. with 1 in 6 Americans being of German descent. The Amish and Mennonites groups settled in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, and are known today as the “Pennsylvania Dutch.” The Pennsylvania Dutch are well known for their excellent farming skills, large families, and a very simplistic way of life. Early immigrants from Poland, beginning in 1608, came to the U.S. primarily for economic opportunities. Poles chose to settle near other Central European communities, as well as the Southwest and Midwest. Other Central European …show more content…
For example, sausages, dumplings, soft pretzels, beer, Danish pastries, and pumpernickel bread are enjoyed every day in the U.S. Harsh winters made cold weather produce an essential part of their diet. Pickling and preserves ensured the availability of certain foods through the season. Alcoholic beverages like beers, wines, vodkas and fruit brandies were especially popular. Socioeconomic status determined daily eating patterns. Wealthy Central Europeans typically ate five to six small meals, and the poor ate fewer meals often without meat. Following appropriate etiquette is essential to dining with Central Europeans, who are more formal than