German Immigrants

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.Trumbauer, Lisa is the author of 'German Immigrants', published 2004 under ISBN 9780816056835 and ISBN 0816056838.