Pros And Cons Of German Immigrants
InNei Chio
Dr. Brennan Smith
Cors 213
February 9th 2016
German Immigrants
Germans present the biggest group of incomers to the American society. Indeed, about twenty percent of Americans links their origin to German roots. It should be noted that their immigration was not welcomed in the first decades of American history. For instance, one of the founders Benjamin Franklin expressed his disturbing about Germans overrunning American shores. He claimed them being too stupid for learning English that may further threaten American political future: "…Not being used to Liberty, they know not how to make a modest use of it…In short unless the stream of their importation could be turned from this to other colonies, as you very judiciously propose, they will soon so outnumber us, that all the advantages we have will not, in My Opinion, be able to preserve our language, and even our Government will become precarious." (Vickrey) …show more content…
Talking of cultural influences, they were the first inhabitants of American shores who started decorating Christmas tree and dying eggs upon Easter. Furthermore, Germans have enriched American cuisine with their national products and dishes, such as sauerkraut, fizzy beer etc. In general, German impact goes much deeper - into the roots of traditions, institutions and habits, which are nowadays considered typically American.
What is especially important - American education system in its fast evolution is primarily a contribution of German incomers. As they had developed a strong obligation to studying in previous times, these ideas were also taken to new lands. Indeed, the first educational institution for kids in the USA was founded in 1855 by German inhabitants. It was traditionally named a “kindergarten” and saved original German traditions. Being a student, I can fully evaluate how much Germans influenced American formation when advocated the idea of the universal education
Dr. Brennan Smith
Cors 213
February 9th 2016
German Immigrants
Germans present the biggest group of incomers to the American society. Indeed, about twenty percent of Americans links their origin to German roots. It should be noted that their immigration was not welcomed in the first decades of American history. For instance, one of the founders Benjamin Franklin expressed his disturbing about Germans overrunning American shores. He claimed them being too stupid for learning English that may further threaten American political future: "…Not being used to Liberty, they know not how to make a modest use of it…In short unless the stream of their importation could be turned from this to other colonies, as you very judiciously propose, they will soon so outnumber us, that all the advantages we have will not, in My Opinion, be able to preserve our language, and even our Government will become precarious." (Vickrey) …show more content…
Talking of cultural influences, they were the first inhabitants of American shores who started decorating Christmas tree and dying eggs upon Easter. Furthermore, Germans have enriched American cuisine with their national products and dishes, such as sauerkraut, fizzy beer etc. In general, German impact goes much deeper - into the roots of traditions, institutions and habits, which are nowadays considered typically American.
What is especially important - American education system in its fast evolution is primarily a contribution of German incomers. As they had developed a strong obligation to studying in previous times, these ideas were also taken to new lands. Indeed, the first educational institution for kids in the USA was founded in 1855 by German inhabitants. It was traditionally named a “kindergarten” and saved original German traditions. Being a student, I can fully evaluate how much Germans influenced American formation when advocated the idea of the universal education