Kapitel 1

While studying American history, I learned that when German and Irish immigrants came to the United States, both groups were heavily persecuted.  The Irish, however, remained in eastern cities while the Germans moved to the open country to farm, as the map in the readings showed.  Their escape from the persecution in the east is probably why they were able to practice German traditions without having a "Little Germany". This is unlike the Irish, who created Irish sectors of cities, in which they always remained.  I also found it interesting how the Germans created physical programs in western cities, such as the Turner program. Even more intriguing was how these organizations helped to created liberal and secular roots in the western cities, such as Milwaukee.  The Germans were also friendly and fascinated with the American Indians. I never knew that the Germans even got along with Indians before reading this. It is a shame, however, that the two World Wars and time has erased much of the German culture that used to flourish, especially since I am almost completely German. Hopefully, a resurgence of German culture will occur soon.