German-American Day on October 6th celebrates the anniversary of the first German immigrants’ arrival in America and also serves as a perfect justification for binge-eating bratwurst and downing beer like there’s no tomorrow. German immigrants and their descendants have had a significant influence on American culture and history ever since they arrived and founded Germantown in Pennsylvania. Germans have made more contributions than you might realize, from creating the first kindergartens to creating the Santa Claus tale! Today, we’re celebrating German culture and reviewing German immigration to America.
Background of the German-American Day
There have always been German-Americans living in America. Several Germans were among the Jamestown immigrants in 1608. German immigrants began to come in greater numbers around 1670, and most of them choose to settle in Pennsylvania and New York. Germans notably founded Germantown in Pennsylvania, and the state continues to have the biggest population of German Americans in the nation.
German immigrants arrived in the greatest numbers between 1820 and World War 1. Following the 1848 German Revolutions, many sought political or religious freedom, earning them the nickname “Forty-Fighters” from other Americans. German immigrants started to move into the Midwest, where they filled key cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and more. Due to the widespread anti-slavery feeling in German culture, many Germans were recruited and served in the Union army during the Civil War.
Many of the cultural influences we witness now were shaped during these early years of German immigration to America. For instance, German immigrants introduced kindergarten during this time as well as the tradition of Christmas trees, the delectable hamburger, and the pretzel. The German emphasis on the value of universal education had a significant impact on the developing American educational system. German businessmen, such as Steinway and Studebaker, built companies whose goods, such as pianos and covered wagons, helped define significant periods in American history.
Happy German-American Day 2023 Messages
- “Let us celebrate German American Day by thanking all those who have contributed to making America proud…”
- “It is an extreme moment of pride for us to have such a wonderful German American as our friend who has made the country proud…. Happy German American Day 2023…”
- “Today is German American Day, the day which reminds us that we all are one and we take pride in being one…”
- “German American Day reminds us that our hard work and contributions will never go unnoticed…. So keep working hard and keep helping the country grow…”
- “On the day of German American Day, we celebrate the wonderful work done by German Americans and thank them for their efforts and contribution…”
- “Two nations, two cultures but one person….. That is what German American Day is all about…. Cheers to all the contributions and success stories of German American 2023…”
- “Let us add more meaning to German American Day by working harder to bring more and more glory to America…”
- “We may be German but we are born and brought up in America and we must contribute to it in all possible ways…. Best wishes on German American Day 2023…”
German-American Day 2023 Wishes
- When we go through tough times, we should not lose hope and always work for our betterment. This is what the German-American day teaches us. Enjoy the day to the fullest…”
- Two different nations in one soul worked for the development of our country. To remember and celebrate their work is our responsibility…”
- German-American day spreads the message of togetherness and oneness. We should all try to keep this spirit in us forever and always work for goodness…”
- This is a day to remember the significant contributions made by the German-Americans a long time back. Hard work and dedication always pay off is what we should learn from this day…”
- As proud citizens of this nation, we should pay all our respect to this historic day and its importance. A day that is worth remembering…”
- We should collectively give importance to the cultural heritage of both nations. Working for development should always be our motto…”
German Americans had a difficult time during World War 1. Politicians were concerned that German-Americans would have divided allegiances and hamper American war efforts as a result of the anti-German attitude; even the President questioned the devotion of people who practiced “hyphenated Americanism.”Many German musical compositions and other works of art were not performed or displayed, and Germans were not even permitted to assist at the Red Cross. More than 110,000 Germans fled their own country during World War II in search of freedom in America. Numerous Germans had their civil rights violated and were incarcerated.
German-American Day Quotes 2023
- “The noblest objective of our diplomacy is the patient and difficult task of reconciling our adversaries to peace. And I know we all look forward to the day when the only industry of war will be the research of historians…” > Ronald Reagan.
- “The family ties between hundreds of thousands of German families and their American relatives led many to think that America would never join a second war against Germany…” > Julius Streicher.
- “From a German point of view, German-American and European-American relations are a pillar of our foreign policy…” > Angela Merkel.
- This day is celebrated to acknowledge the capabilities and the glory of two great nations; the USA and Germany. So on this day, let us all pledge to our country that we will do our best to make it proud.
- “From a German point of view, German-American and European-American relations are a pillar of our foreign policy…” > Angela Merkel.
- Let the feeling of patriotism flow in your veins on this historic day. Enjoy the day with full pride…”
By 1970, the prejudice against Germans had mostly vanished, and immigrants from that region of Europe found many things in common with German Americans. Most people today wouldn’t be able to distinguish many German-American cultural contributions even if they tried since they have been so thoroughly absorbed into American society. Approximately 44.2 million German-Americans are the largest self-reported ancestry group today.
Significance of the German-American Day
German-American Day focuses on honoring how the histories of the two nations have merged. This holiday honors German-speaking Americans’ accomplishments and admiration of American customs. The German families who established a colony on American soil are also remembered on this day.
National German-American Day Fun Facts
The first kindergartens in the US were established by German-Americans.
There were 43 million German-Americans with full or partial German ancestry residing in the United States as of 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Herbert Hoover, Richard Nixon, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump are the seven presidents of the United States who were of German heritage.
The states with the highest proportion of citizens of German heritage are Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
National German-American Day festivities
- Read works of German literature, such as Goethe, the Brothers Grimm, or Anton Chekhov’s short stories.
- Find out about the accomplishments of well-known Americans who are of German descent. Inquire about German Americans who are scientists, politicians, or benefactors.
- unable to speak German The moment is now to begin your education.
- Look into your family history if you are unsure of your heritage. any grandparents who are still alive. Analyze your family tree on ancestry.com. Whatever you learn, record it for your children.
