Kultur 1

Guten Abend!

This article is a great reminder of how America is heavily influenced by the German immigrants. I think as Americans living in a country that has no one celebrated culture, tradition, or religion, it can be easy to forget how we came to be that way since so many have immigrated here from many different places. There was a lot to learn from this article.

First of all, I was intrigued to learn that in the 19th century most German immigrants settled in the Upper Midwest. And even today it is called the German Belt. I have lived in a suburb of Chicago my whole life had no idea that I was living in a historical hotspot. However, they only moved specifically around here because it reminded them of the Germanic landscape that they were so familiar with back home. What I found most interesting about this article was how religiously diverse the Germans were/are. I think this also greatly influences how we, Americans, view religion. Germans viewed themselves as Catholics, Lutherans, Reformed, Methodists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Quakers, Jews, or organized Freethinkers. This must have put forth the idea of freedom of religion.

Another thing that got my attention was Oktoberfest. It is funny and also sad that it is no longer “a celebration of German heritage”, but now just a celebration involving pretzels, beer, the chicken dance, and the Schnitzelbank song.

I am eager to learn more about how the Germans influenced America!

Guten Nacht!