German-American heritage, over time, has integrated with Americans that first migrated to America causing a loss of German identity. German immigrants had a major impact on the development on the United States over the course of four centuries, which is left out when students learn about the history of the United States. Learning about German-Americans is only one example of understanding how the United States development shows how the country is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. German-Americans have changed the American customs and cultures since they first came to America. This paper highlights the historical significance of how German Americans contributed to America as a country, culture, and education system we use today.
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The treatment of German-Americans during the war differed in different regions and depended on their numbers and on the behavior of local politicians and attorney generals. There was less harassment in places where there were few citizens of German descent, since they were not perceived as a real threat. Likewise, there were fewer arrests of German-Americans and less harassment in places where local politicians and lawyers resolved not to enforce laws to the fullest. (Wustenbecker) However, when politicians and officials decided to use the situation to advance their careers, they were often able to incite a community to hatred against anyone who appeared to dissent. “Ethnic disappearance theories thus emphasized the eradication of German culture, the so-called Lusitania effect, the closure of German-speaking newspapers, and the disappearance of German language from American schools” (Weber, 187). There was a ban on using the German language in schools and no one dared to enter the classes. Books based on Germany were either stored away or burned along with the newspapers. This caused a lack of knowledge in schools about Germans and what they have done in society before the war. Even after World War II, anti-German movements still raged on into the twentieth century, but eventually dwindled. German-Americans kept …show more content…
The decorating of the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century with their wax candles, trinkets, and fruits. The tradition was brought to almost every home someone can see driving by in people’s windows. Christians loved the idea and soon royal families started the tradition. The nutcracker, gingerbread houses, and the advent calendar all originate from Germany. Each item has a story to tell. The store of the nutcracker was told to be a hero and later became a Russian ballet. The gingerbread house originates from the Grimm tale of Hansel und Gretel. The Advent Calendar was originally made beginning the 19th century. It was not until after World War II the little windows would have chocolates and candies in
The treatment of German-Americans during the war differed in different regions and depended on their numbers and on the behavior of local politicians and attorney generals. There was less harassment in places where there were few citizens of German descent, since they were not perceived as a real threat. Likewise, there were fewer arrests of German-Americans and less harassment in places where local politicians and lawyers resolved not to enforce laws to the fullest. (Wustenbecker) However, when politicians and officials decided to use the situation to advance their careers, they were often able to incite a community to hatred against anyone who appeared to dissent. “Ethnic disappearance theories thus emphasized the eradication of German culture, the so-called Lusitania effect, the closure of German-speaking newspapers, and the disappearance of German language from American schools” (Weber, 187). There was a ban on using the German language in schools and no one dared to enter the classes. Books based on Germany were either stored away or burned along with the newspapers. This caused a lack of knowledge in schools about Germans and what they have done in society before the war. Even after World War II, anti-German movements still raged on into the twentieth century, but eventually dwindled. German-Americans kept …show more content…
The decorating of the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century with their wax candles, trinkets, and fruits. The tradition was brought to almost every home someone can see driving by in people’s windows. Christians loved the idea and soon royal families started the tradition. The nutcracker, gingerbread houses, and the advent calendar all originate from Germany. Each item has a story to tell. The store of the nutcracker was told to be a hero and later became a Russian ballet. The gingerbread house originates from the Grimm tale of Hansel und Gretel. The Advent Calendar was originally made beginning the 19th century. It was not until after World War II the little windows would have chocolates and candies in