| Hysteria Part 9. Creating the Self-Hating German: Our Lost Heritage |
German doctors and lawyers were among the most successful in the city and German politicians
among the wealthiest and most powerful people. By 1900, Buffalo's Germans made up more than
half of the city's population, but anti-German feeling during the War lessened the city's increasingly
German character and even led to changes in street names. The German-American bank, chartered
in 1882, changed its name to the Liberty Bank.
among the wealthiest and most powerful people. By 1900, Buffalo's Germans made up more than
half of the city's population, but anti-German feeling during the War lessened the city's increasingly
German character and even led to changes in street names. The German-American bank, chartered
in 1882, changed its name to the Liberty Bank.
By 1880, 46 percent of St. Louis, Missouri public school kids were German and 20,000 youngsters
there still received lessons in German every day. Dozens of German breweries and 18 German
newspapers were operating in the city. In 1915, St. Louis German Americans were raising money for
their German brethren in the homeland who were suffering from the British hunger blockade. But
within two years, the city's biggest newspaper was angrily promising to "absolutely eliminate, once
and for all, any and every single trace of anything German". While impossible to rename every
street, Berlin Avenue was renamed Pershing, Bismark Street became 4th Street and Kaiser Street
was changed to Gresham. Luxembourg, Missouri became Lemay.
there still received lessons in German every day. Dozens of German breweries and 18 German
newspapers were operating in the city. In 1915, St. Louis German Americans were raising money for
their German brethren in the homeland who were suffering from the British hunger blockade. But
within two years, the city's biggest newspaper was angrily promising to "absolutely eliminate, once
and for all, any and every single trace of anything German". While impossible to rename every
street, Berlin Avenue was renamed Pershing, Bismark Street became 4th Street and Kaiser Street
was changed to Gresham. Luxembourg, Missouri became Lemay.
Three elected New Ulm officials were accused of lacking patriotism because, while they supported
the draft, they suggested that German-Americans serve in non-combatant capacities since they might
be killing relatives. The Commission suspended the New Ulm officials on grounds of disloyalty.
the draft, they suggested that German-Americans serve in non-combatant capacities since they might
be killing relatives. The Commission suspended the New Ulm officials on grounds of disloyalty.
Military leaders and federal officials, including Wilson, considered suspending constitutional rights and
freedoms nationally to counter opposition to the war and censoring the press to block accounts of
wartime problems. But this was tricky, so Creel, as the country's first propaganda minister, instead
used his "persuasive" method of working with groups such as Minnesota's Commission on Public
Safety who did the dirty work for them. In 1917, the figure of the goddess Germania was torn from
the Germania Life Insurance Building in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the building renamed. Vigilantes
set up a machine gun outside the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee to prevent the production of Schiller's
Wilhelm Tell. Minnesota not only followed the lead in other states of banning any language but
English, it created militias, demanded loyalty oaths and required alien registration of people and land.
freedoms nationally to counter opposition to the war and censoring the press to block accounts of
wartime problems. But this was tricky, so Creel, as the country's first propaganda minister, instead
used his "persuasive" method of working with groups such as Minnesota's Commission on Public
Safety who did the dirty work for them. In 1917, the figure of the goddess Germania was torn from
the Germania Life Insurance Building in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the building renamed. Vigilantes
set up a machine gun outside the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee to prevent the production of Schiller's
Wilhelm Tell. Minnesota not only followed the lead in other states of banning any language but
English, it created militias, demanded loyalty oaths and required alien registration of people and land.
Wisconsin also had a huge German American population in the World War One years, as well as
politically dominant Progressive and Socialist parties who opposed the war, such as Senator Robert
La Follette who later also opposed the ratification of the settlement drafted at the 1919 Peace
Conference. Participation in the war was a contentious issue in 1917, and when the U.S. officially
entered the war on April 6, 1917, nine of Wisconsin’s eleven Congressmen plus Senator La Follette
voted against the declaration of war. LaFollette faced constant degradation, ridicule and slander.
politically dominant Progressive and Socialist parties who opposed the war, such as Senator Robert
La Follette who later also opposed the ratification of the settlement drafted at the 1919 Peace
Conference. Participation in the war was a contentious issue in 1917, and when the U.S. officially
entered the war on April 6, 1917, nine of Wisconsin’s eleven Congressmen plus Senator La Follette
voted against the declaration of war. LaFollette faced constant degradation, ridicule and slander.
At the turn of the 20th century, almost 100 German language newspapers were being published in
Wisconsin. Milwaukee was a leading national center for large German-language publishing houses,
publishing German books since as early as 1844. For a time, and against all odds, Wisconsin’s
German American community maintained many German organizations devoted to preserving
German heritage and had a strong cultural unity based on pride in German accomplishments, the
vigorous German language press, and their stand on the contentious issue of prohibition. Milwaukee
Socialists were another voice of anti-war sentiment in Wisconsin. Their days were numbered.
Wisconsin. Milwaukee was a leading national center for large German-language publishing houses,
publishing German books since as early as 1844. For a time, and against all odds, Wisconsin’s
German American community maintained many German organizations devoted to preserving
German heritage and had a strong cultural unity based on pride in German accomplishments, the
vigorous German language press, and their stand on the contentious issue of prohibition. Milwaukee
Socialists were another voice of anti-war sentiment in Wisconsin. Their days were numbered.
Soon after the propaganda began, the majority of Wisconsin citizens did not oppose the war, as the
government saw to it that their businesses, workers and farmers were rewarded, with some greatly
prospering... but at the cost of seeing 118,000 of their citizens sent into military service. Some boys
would die fighting their cousins.
government saw to it that their businesses, workers and farmers were rewarded, with some greatly
prospering... but at the cost of seeing 118,000 of their citizens sent into military service. Some boys
would die fighting their cousins.
Wisconsin was the first state to organize a State Council of Defense as well as a County Council of
Defense. These organizations helped to "educate citizens on the war and the sacrifices that were
demanded of them." Even the Socialist mayor of Milwaukee finally caved in to the war fever and
participated in preparedness parades, cooperated with the draft, and established a Milwaukee council
of defense at the same time that he defended the rights of opposition voices.
Defense. These organizations helped to "educate citizens on the war and the sacrifices that were
demanded of them." Even the Socialist mayor of Milwaukee finally caved in to the war fever and
participated in preparedness parades, cooperated with the draft, and established a Milwaukee council
of defense at the same time that he defended the rights of opposition voices.
They weren't all sheep. The Secretary of State of Wisconsin received a thirty-month sentence in federal prison for
referring to the YMCA and the Red Cross as “a bunch of grafters."
referring to the YMCA and the Red Cross as “a bunch of grafters."
Wisconsin citizens returned to the Progressive leadership of Robert La Follette after war's end.
La Follette opposed the Versailles Treaty and American membership in the League of Nations, seeing
the peace terms as unjust and the League as an organization for victors only.
La Follette opposed the Versailles Treaty and American membership in the League of Nations, seeing
the peace terms as unjust and the League as an organization for victors only.
Eventually, all alien German employees in Chicago were fired or told to step down. A Chicago women's organization
called the “Use Nothing German” club smashed and burned various “products of Hun-land” in a display of patriotism.
The number of people claiming German ancestry dropped steeply after the War, far more than could be accounted for
by emigration or mortality. The number of people who admitted German heritage in Illinois, for example, declined from
191,000 in 1914 to 112,000 in 1920.
called the “Use Nothing German” club smashed and burned various “products of Hun-land” in a display of patriotism.
The number of people claiming German ancestry dropped steeply after the War, far more than could be accounted for
by emigration or mortality. The number of people who admitted German heritage in Illinois, for example, declined from
191,000 in 1914 to 112,000 in 1920.
Yet, the anti-German sentiments had a drastic effect which even enveloped the Queen city of
Teutons. German-American citizens and businesses quickly changed their names. German National
Bank became Lincoln National Bank. All German-language books were banned from the public
library and thousands were destroyed. German language classes were dropped. German Celebration
Day was canceled in 1917. In Columbus, Ohio, Boy Scouts burned German-language newspapers,
which in any case declined rapidly as the situation progressed.
Teutons. German-American citizens and businesses quickly changed their names. German National
Bank became Lincoln National Bank. All German-language books were banned from the public
library and thousands were destroyed. German language classes were dropped. German Celebration
Day was canceled in 1917. In Columbus, Ohio, Boy Scouts burned German-language newspapers,
which in any case declined rapidly as the situation progressed.
By 1860, a third of Cleveland's population was German-born. By 1900, Cleveland was 4th behind Milwaukee, Hoboken
and Cincinnati in German population. 2 out of 5 Clevelanders were German. In 1902, there were over 200 German
American clubs and organizations, many newspapers, churches and schools. Germans were jewelers, tailors, machinists,
cabinet makers and brewers. Germans built hospitals, schools and institutions of higher learning. This is one city that
amazingly experienced not much in the way of repercussions from Hysteria
and Cincinnati in German population. 2 out of 5 Clevelanders were German. In 1902, there were over 200 German
American clubs and organizations, many newspapers, churches and schools. Germans were jewelers, tailors, machinists,
cabinet makers and brewers. Germans built hospitals, schools and institutions of higher learning. This is one city that
amazingly experienced not much in the way of repercussions from Hysteria
By 1850, 12.95 percent of the Indianapolis, Indiana total population was German and it kept
growing. They had their own newspaper, "Vereins", music and singing societies and public schools
offered classes teaching German language. Germans ultimately had a greater influence on
Indianapolis than any other immigrant group. Das Deutsche Haus was a beautiful old European-style
building where Germans gathered and socialized. During the war, it became the "Athenaeum."
growing. They had their own newspaper, "Vereins", music and singing societies and public schools
offered classes teaching German language. Germans ultimately had a greater influence on
Indianapolis than any other immigrant group. Das Deutsche Haus was a beautiful old European-style
building where Germans gathered and socialized. During the war, it became the "Athenaeum."
| Utah Internment camp for Germans |
Like many American cities in the late 19th century, Germans made up more than one third of the
total population of Buffalo, New York. Five of the city's banks were capitalized with German
investment. There were 25 German breweries, 6 German insurance companies, a German hospital,
scores of German churches, several turnvereins, the nationally known Saengerbund Singing Society.
Numerous businesses and department stores were owned by German Americans.
total population of Buffalo, New York. Five of the city's banks were capitalized with German
investment. There were 25 German breweries, 6 German insurance companies, a German hospital,
scores of German churches, several turnvereins, the nationally known Saengerbund Singing Society.
Numerous businesses and department stores were owned by German Americans.
After their German forefathers had fought and died taming the harsh Texas land, farmers of
Brandenburg in North Texas changed the name of their town to Old Glory. Marienfeld was renamed
Stanton. The German Cemetery in Houston became Washington Cemetery. After armistice in 1919,
Gov. William Hobby vetoed appropriations for the German department at The University of Texas at
Austin. The distinct German American culture of Texas was squashed.
Brandenburg in North Texas changed the name of their town to Old Glory. Marienfeld was renamed
Stanton. The German Cemetery in Houston became Washington Cemetery. After armistice in 1919,
Gov. William Hobby vetoed appropriations for the German department at The University of Texas at
Austin. The distinct German American culture of Texas was squashed.
German language textbooks were burned in the street in Baraboo,Wisconsin on
June 13, 1918 by the Wisconsin National Guard. Most schools that didn't burn
their German books silently disposed of them. Many cities were encouraged by the
government to ban teaching or speaking of German. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Newport, Kentucky and Lafayette, Indiana all banned the teaching of German,
and many other areas, including Milford, Ohio even tried to ban the speaking of
German. One phone company banned the speaking of German on its telephones,
and English was demanded in courts. All German and Austrian music was
removed from one music library. Libraries in Detroit, Denver, St. Louis,
Cleveland, New York, Portland and Washington, D.C. banned German books.
June 13, 1918 by the Wisconsin National Guard. Most schools that didn't burn
their German books silently disposed of them. Many cities were encouraged by the
government to ban teaching or speaking of German. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Newport, Kentucky and Lafayette, Indiana all banned the teaching of German,
and many other areas, including Milford, Ohio even tried to ban the speaking of
German. One phone company banned the speaking of German on its telephones,
and English was demanded in courts. All German and Austrian music was
removed from one music library. Libraries in Detroit, Denver, St. Louis,
Cleveland, New York, Portland and Washington, D.C. banned German books.
The Liederkranz Societies were under constant fire, and since Germans were so predominant in the
general American music culture, many were victims as previously alluded to. Beethoven was banned
in Pittsburgh. Shortly after Frederick A. Stock, the German conductor of the Chicago Symphony,
was fired, Dr. Karl Muck, the German-born conductor of the Boston Symphony, began to be
harassed by onlookers at his concerts. Having been cleared of any doing wrong or 'suspicious activity
in two grueling Federal investigations, Muck was suddenly arrested on March 25, 1918, and placed in
an internment camp as a "dangerous enemy alien."
general American music culture, many were victims as previously alluded to. Beethoven was banned
in Pittsburgh. Shortly after Frederick A. Stock, the German conductor of the Chicago Symphony,
was fired, Dr. Karl Muck, the German-born conductor of the Boston Symphony, began to be
harassed by onlookers at his concerts. Having been cleared of any doing wrong or 'suspicious activity
in two grueling Federal investigations, Muck was suddenly arrested on March 25, 1918, and placed in
an internment camp as a "dangerous enemy alien."
As late as 1910, German was the mother tongue to an estimated nine million people in the USA. In
virtually every state there were incidents of criminalizing the German language. The Fergus, Montana
county school board was under fire for ignoring public sentiment by allowing the continued teaching
of German language classes. Reaching the school, a mob presented an ultimatum to the principal to
deliver the books. 500 people encircled the school while a group went in to retrieve the books. The
principal was then forced to kiss the American flag and proclaim his loyalty. While the books were
burned the crowd sang the Star Spangled Banner. 79 persons were convicted of sedition under the
harsh Montana law enacted in the fervor of hysteria. Using German in church was banned, a law that
was enforced even after the armistice.
virtually every state there were incidents of criminalizing the German language. The Fergus, Montana
county school board was under fire for ignoring public sentiment by allowing the continued teaching
of German language classes. Reaching the school, a mob presented an ultimatum to the principal to
deliver the books. 500 people encircled the school while a group went in to retrieve the books. The
principal was then forced to kiss the American flag and proclaim his loyalty. While the books were
burned the crowd sang the Star Spangled Banner. 79 persons were convicted of sedition under the
harsh Montana law enacted in the fervor of hysteria. Using German in church was banned, a law that
was enforced even after the armistice.
On April 1, 1919, Ohio Governor Cox urged his Legislature to ban German in
all Ohio elementary schools, even private or parochial, claiming that it was "a
distinct menace to Americanism, and part of a plot formed by the German
government to make the school children loyal to it." The Ake law was then
passed which required all instruction below the 8th grade in to be in English
with no study of German below the 8th grade in public school. When
Kentucky's governor vetoed a similar law, he was called a traitor and fired.
all Ohio elementary schools, even private or parochial, claiming that it was "a
distinct menace to Americanism, and part of a plot formed by the German
government to make the school children loyal to it." The Ake law was then
passed which required all instruction below the 8th grade in to be in English
with no study of German below the 8th grade in public school. When
Kentucky's governor vetoed a similar law, he was called a traitor and fired.
Michigan was well stocked with Germans as well. German immigration to Detroit began before
1820, and increased following the unsuccessful German revolutions in 1848. Today, Germans are
still the largest ancestral group in Michigan, representing over 2.6 million descendants, or 22% of the
state's population, even though there is no trace of "Germantown" in today's sad, blighted city of
Detroit. The Harmonie Society in Detroit offered firstly singing, then food, bowling and social life for
many years. It ranked with other cultural societies such as the Carpathia Club, Saenger Halle,
Maennerchor Rheingold, the Detroit Schwaben Unterstitzungs Verein and the Schwaebische
Maennerchor.
1820, and increased following the unsuccessful German revolutions in 1848. Today, Germans are
still the largest ancestral group in Michigan, representing over 2.6 million descendants, or 22% of the
state's population, even though there is no trace of "Germantown" in today's sad, blighted city of
Detroit. The Harmonie Society in Detroit offered firstly singing, then food, bowling and social life for
many years. It ranked with other cultural societies such as the Carpathia Club, Saenger Halle,
Maennerchor Rheingold, the Detroit Schwaben Unterstitzungs Verein and the Schwaebische
Maennerchor.
Detroit's pre-war German culture was old and vast. Two big German-language newspapers were the
"Detroiter Abendpost" and "Michigan Volksblatt". There were workers' halls (Arbeiter Halle),
Turnvereins, and scores of clubs, churches and publications for each and every separate ethnic
German group within the city, with schools and churches catering to these Germans. There were
numerous German grocers, butchers, breweries and factories. Very few survived the war.
"Detroiter Abendpost" and "Michigan Volksblatt". There were workers' halls (Arbeiter Halle),
Turnvereins, and scores of clubs, churches and publications for each and every separate ethnic
German group within the city, with schools and churches catering to these Germans. There were
numerous German grocers, butchers, breweries and factories. Very few survived the war.
The old German settlements around Saginaw were deeply impacted. Farther downstate in Ann
Arbor, the University of Michigan had actually been modeled on the typical German university, and
had renowned and respected Germanic educational and cultural traditions. Over a quarter of the
students were enrolled in classes in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature. After the
"National Security League" was founded to exterminate "un-American" values, German-purging
replaced the historically peaceful campus. The University was cleansed of employees suspected of
pacifism or "subversive" thoughts, and a violent end came to the Germanic studies programs, where
enrollment in German courses at the University dropped from 1,300 to 150. The local German
language newspaper, the Washtenaw Post, was barred from the U.S. Postal Service.
Arbor, the University of Michigan had actually been modeled on the typical German university, and
had renowned and respected Germanic educational and cultural traditions. Over a quarter of the
students were enrolled in classes in the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature. After the
"National Security League" was founded to exterminate "un-American" values, German-purging
replaced the historically peaceful campus. The University was cleansed of employees suspected of
pacifism or "subversive" thoughts, and a violent end came to the Germanic studies programs, where
enrollment in German courses at the University dropped from 1,300 to 150. The local German
language newspaper, the Washtenaw Post, was barred from the U.S. Postal Service.
All of the east-west streets in one neighborhood had German names in 1880.
None did after. The Bismarck Hotel was renamed the Hotel Randolph,
German Hospital was renamed Grant Hospital and the Hotel Kaiserhof was
changed to the Hotel Atlantic. The Bismarck Beer Gardens was rechristened
as Marigold Gardens, the Germania Club became the Lincoln Club, the Kaiser
Friedrich Mutual Aid Society became the George Washington Benevolent Aid
Society, and the Chicago Athletic Club fired its German-born employees.
Chicago could finally sleep at night. The Old Days: The Christmas Tree Ship
None did after. The Bismarck Hotel was renamed the Hotel Randolph,
German Hospital was renamed Grant Hospital and the Hotel Kaiserhof was
changed to the Hotel Atlantic. The Bismarck Beer Gardens was rechristened
as Marigold Gardens, the Germania Club became the Lincoln Club, the Kaiser
Friedrich Mutual Aid Society became the George Washington Benevolent Aid
Society, and the Chicago Athletic Club fired its German-born employees.
Chicago could finally sleep at night. The Old Days: The Christmas Tree Ship
In Chicago of 1900, one out of every four Chicagoans had either been born in Germany or had a
parent born there. The Illinois Staats-Zeitung, the Chicagoer Arbeiter- Zeitung, the Chicago Freie
Presse, and the Abendpost were among the many the German newspapers. There were also large
numbers of recent Polish and Bohemian immigrants. The established German community was
economically successful, owning many businesses and much of the housing. Nationalistic Poles and
Czechs tended to view Germany as the only remaining obstacle to nationhood. The CPI instigated
this situation further. Once the hysteria gained momentum, a Polish Alderman presented a bill to
rename German-named streets. 1,000 Polish-Americans attended the secret meeting and signed the
petition. They were successful, but the details did not leak from the press immediately. Coblentz
Street became McLean, Lubeck became Dickens, Frankfort became Charleston and Hamburg
became Shakespeare. Pictured below: A public park warning "pro-Germans" to keep out
parent born there. The Illinois Staats-Zeitung, the Chicagoer Arbeiter- Zeitung, the Chicago Freie
Presse, and the Abendpost were among the many the German newspapers. There were also large
numbers of recent Polish and Bohemian immigrants. The established German community was
economically successful, owning many businesses and much of the housing. Nationalistic Poles and
Czechs tended to view Germany as the only remaining obstacle to nationhood. The CPI instigated
this situation further. Once the hysteria gained momentum, a Polish Alderman presented a bill to
rename German-named streets. 1,000 Polish-Americans attended the secret meeting and signed the
petition. They were successful, but the details did not leak from the press immediately. Coblentz
Street became McLean, Lubeck became Dickens, Frankfort became Charleston and Hamburg
became Shakespeare. Pictured below: A public park warning "pro-Germans" to keep out
When Omaha orchestra leader Otto Scharf was staying in a Nebraska Hotel on
April 22, 1918, it was smeared with yellow paint by the "Council of Defense".
When the hotel proprietor tried to stop them, he was painted as well. Scharf was
then arrested for disturbing the peace.
April 22, 1918, it was smeared with yellow paint by the "Council of Defense".
When the hotel proprietor tried to stop them, he was painted as well. Scharf was
then arrested for disturbing the peace.
In 1917, Minnesota's German-Americans formed the state's largest ethnic group and 70 percent of
the state's residents were immigrants or first-generation Americans when Minnesota's 7-member
"Commission on Public Safety" was formed by the state, with its members appointed by Gov. J.A.A.
Burnquist who even requested a state firing squad for slackers. Having no public accountability, it
immediately suspended civil rights, set up an armed militia and created a network of spies, all with
the CPIs blessing and guidance. It became among the harshest organizations in the country.
the state's residents were immigrants or first-generation Americans when Minnesota's 7-member
"Commission on Public Safety" was formed by the state, with its members appointed by Gov. J.A.A.
Burnquist who even requested a state firing squad for slackers. Having no public accountability, it
immediately suspended civil rights, set up an armed militia and created a network of spies, all with
the CPIs blessing and guidance. It became among the harshest organizations in the country.
By 1850, 31,000 of the Cincinnati Ohio's 115,000 citizens were German-born, mostly concentrated
in the Over-the-Rhine district; By 1890, German Americans made up 57.4 percent of Cincinnati's
300,000 residents, and there were clubs, singing societies, a German theater, more than 30 German
language publications, 48 German churches, 2 orphanages, a home for old men and a widows home,
six cemeteries and many banks.
in the Over-the-Rhine district; By 1890, German Americans made up 57.4 percent of Cincinnati's
300,000 residents, and there were clubs, singing societies, a German theater, more than 30 German
language publications, 48 German churches, 2 orphanages, a home for old men and a widows home,
six cemeteries and many banks.
By 1918, as a typical result of the anti-German hysteria, Cincinnati, a city full of German Americans,
began changing German street names: German Street to English Street, Bismark Street to Montreal
Street, Berlin Street to Woodrow Street, Bremen Street to Republic Street, Brunswick Street to
Edgecliff Point, Frankfort Street to Connecticut Avenue, Hamburg Street to Stonewall Street,
Hanover Street to Yukon Street, Hapsburg Street to Merrimac Street, Schumann Street to Meredith
Street, Vienna Street to Panama Street, and Humboldt Street to Taft Road. Members of the
Cleveland YMCA covered the name "German" in the German Hospital's sign with an American flag.
They argued that "the word affected (their) appetites." New Berlin, Ohio changed its name to North
Canton to show its patriotism. Better Chinese than German.
began changing German street names: German Street to English Street, Bismark Street to Montreal
Street, Berlin Street to Woodrow Street, Bremen Street to Republic Street, Brunswick Street to
Edgecliff Point, Frankfort Street to Connecticut Avenue, Hamburg Street to Stonewall Street,
Hanover Street to Yukon Street, Hapsburg Street to Merrimac Street, Schumann Street to Meredith
Street, Vienna Street to Panama Street, and Humboldt Street to Taft Road. Members of the
Cleveland YMCA covered the name "German" in the German Hospital's sign with an American flag.
They argued that "the word affected (their) appetites." New Berlin, Ohio changed its name to North
Canton to show its patriotism. Better Chinese than German.
High school students in South Dakota were praised for dumping their German language books in the
river. In Colorado, a German book burning rally drew hundreds. In Kansas, a German parochial
school was burned down by "patriots". German "Kultur" as presented by the media, above
river. In Colorado, a German book burning rally drew hundreds. In Kansas, a German parochial
school was burned down by "patriots". German "Kultur" as presented by the media, above
By 1900, German immigrants were the largest immigrant group in Iowa. On November 23, 1917,
the Iowa State Council of Defense resolved that the schools should cease teaching German. German
language instructors were fired and German textbooks burned. In line with this sentiment, even
though the German vote had won him election, Iowa Governor William L. Harding issued "The
Babel Proclamation" on May 23, 1918, becoming the only governor in the United States to outlaw
the public use of all foreign languages. Berlin Township was renamed "Hughes"and Germania town
in Kossuth County became Lakota. Street names all over the state were also changed. From Sioux
City to tiny farm hamlets, mass burnings of German books were conducted across Iowa.
the Iowa State Council of Defense resolved that the schools should cease teaching German. German
language instructors were fired and German textbooks burned. In line with this sentiment, even
though the German vote had won him election, Iowa Governor William L. Harding issued "The
Babel Proclamation" on May 23, 1918, becoming the only governor in the United States to outlaw
the public use of all foreign languages. Berlin Township was renamed "Hughes"and Germania town
in Kossuth County became Lakota. Street names all over the state were also changed. From Sioux
City to tiny farm hamlets, mass burnings of German books were conducted across Iowa.
But, not only were Iowa schools affected. All conversation in public places, on trains, over the
telephone and in public addresses had to take place in English. Party line telephone conversations
overheard by switchboard operators and eavesdroppers were reported to authorities. One big sting
netted five Iowa farm wives who were arrested for speaking German during a party line telephone
conversation. The women were subsequently fined $225 which was given to the local Red Cross.
telephone and in public addresses had to take place in English. Party line telephone conversations
overheard by switchboard operators and eavesdroppers were reported to authorities. One big sting
netted five Iowa farm wives who were arrested for speaking German during a party line telephone
conversation. The women were subsequently fined $225 which was given to the local Red Cross.
The state legislature of Nebraska deemed in April 1919: "No person, individually
or as a teacher, shall, in any private, denominational, parochial or public school
teach any subject to any person in any language other than the English language."
In 1923, the U. S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional (with Justice Oliver
Wendell Holmes dissenting).
or as a teacher, shall, in any private, denominational, parochial or public school
teach any subject to any person in any language other than the English language."
In 1923, the U. S. Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional (with Justice Oliver
Wendell Holmes dissenting).
In a typical incident, Rudolph Blome was named president of Northern Arizona Normal School in
1909. Gifted and enthusiastic, he lent his professionalism and success to the campus. Under his
leadership, class size grew from 68 to 300. He developed scores of activities, including
interscholastic sports and he expanded the facilities. One of the school's finest presidents, he was
forced to leave because of his German birth and education For months, the school and the students
rallied against his removal but he was nevertheless dismissed in the spring of 1918. He died broken
hearted three years later in California.
1909. Gifted and enthusiastic, he lent his professionalism and success to the campus. Under his
leadership, class size grew from 68 to 300. He developed scores of activities, including
interscholastic sports and he expanded the facilities. One of the school's finest presidents, he was
forced to leave because of his German birth and education For months, the school and the students
rallied against his removal but he was nevertheless dismissed in the spring of 1918. He died broken
hearted three years later in California.
The Atlantic Monthly was one of the first respected publications to accuse the German language press of mass disloyalty.
The New York Times stated that German-language newspapers "never stopped trying to surreptitiously support Berlin's
cause." The Saturday Evening Post went a step farther and declared that it was time to rid America of Germans, the "the
scum of the melting pot." The City University of New York reduced by one credit every course in German. Fourteen
states banned the speaking of German in public schools.
The New York Times stated that German-language newspapers "never stopped trying to surreptitiously support Berlin's
cause." The Saturday Evening Post went a step farther and declared that it was time to rid America of Germans, the "the
scum of the melting pot." The City University of New York reduced by one credit every course in German. Fourteen
states banned the speaking of German in public schools.
The pro-German director of the Cincinnati Symphony, Ernest Kunwald, suffered a similar fate and
the Daughters of the American Revolution denounced famed violinist Fritz Kreisler when he tried to
take the stage in Pittsburgh. After Baltimore, Washington and Cleveland also canceled performances,
Kreisler retired for the duration of the war.
the Daughters of the American Revolution denounced famed violinist Fritz Kreisler when he tried to
take the stage in Pittsburgh. After Baltimore, Washington and Cleveland also canceled performances,
Kreisler retired for the duration of the war.
In Van Houten, New Mexico, a mob accused an immigrant of supporting Germany and forced him to
kneel before them, kiss the flag, and shout "To hell with the Kaiser." In Oregon, 72 year old Jules
Rhuberg received 15 months in jail for condemning the war. A German American optician named
Howenstein was jailed on charges he gave men eye drops so they would fail the Army draft exams.
kneel before them, kiss the flag, and shout "To hell with the Kaiser." In Oregon, 72 year old Jules
Rhuberg received 15 months in jail for condemning the war. A German American optician named
Howenstein was jailed on charges he gave men eye drops so they would fail the Army draft exams.
An Indiana woman was abducted from her home and dragged around the town in a lion cage because
she did not contribute enough to the Liberty Loan drive.
she did not contribute enough to the Liberty Loan drive.
In 1871, New York City's Kleindeutschland alone would have been the fifth largest city in the
German empire! It held the typical collection of the diverse German ethnic groups with their regional
dress, customs and dialects. Here, they still thought of themselves as Bavarians, Prussians or Saxons
rather than Germans, even after German unification in 1871. Bavarians dominated the city around
1880, but by 1880, the Prussians were the largest German nationality in New York. In 1880, 43%
of second-generation the city's Bavarians were still marrying from the same ethnic group and another
22% were married to someone from an adjacent region. Endogamy was even more prevalent among
Prussians. Tragedy depopulated Kleindeutschland. The Disaster
German empire! It held the typical collection of the diverse German ethnic groups with their regional
dress, customs and dialects. Here, they still thought of themselves as Bavarians, Prussians or Saxons
rather than Germans, even after German unification in 1871. Bavarians dominated the city around
1880, but by 1880, the Prussians were the largest German nationality in New York. In 1880, 43%
of second-generation the city's Bavarians were still marrying from the same ethnic group and another
22% were married to someone from an adjacent region. Endogamy was even more prevalent among
Prussians. Tragedy depopulated Kleindeutschland. The Disaster
Judges were not lenient when the shoe was on the German foot. German American farmer Charles
Naffz, whose son was serving in the US Army, was overheard complaining about the war being a
"rich man's war" and promptly fined 100 dollars. Henry Denger was a former postmaster and high
school principal as well as an opponent of war when he was arrested for espionage because he
"assaulted" a hawker of liberty bonds.
Naffz, whose son was serving in the US Army, was overheard complaining about the war being a
"rich man's war" and promptly fined 100 dollars. Henry Denger was a former postmaster and high
school principal as well as an opponent of war when he was arrested for espionage because he
"assaulted" a hawker of liberty bonds.
Miss Mary Heckewelder is generally said to have been the first white child born in Ohio. She was the daughter of
the noted Moravian missionary of that name, and was born in Salem, one of the Moravian Indian towns on the
Tuscarawas, in this county, April 16, 1781.
the noted Moravian missionary of that name, and was born in Salem, one of the Moravian Indian towns on the
Tuscarawas, in this county, April 16, 1781.
Creel's war on German culture began with the German language. Within six
months of the war's onset, legal action was brought to eliminate the German
language from American schools. The flagship case was the Mockett Law
in Nebraska. 26 other states followed suit, banning instruction in and of
German. When the Missouri Synod Lutherans of Nebraska brought the test
case, Meyer v. Nebraska, the ban on German was reconfirmed by all the
courts until it reached the U.S. Supreme Court who, on June 4, 1923, held
that a mere knowledge of German could not be regarded as harmful to the
state, and added that the right of parents to have their children taught in a
language other than English was within the liberties guaranteed by the
Fourteenth Amendment. By then it was too late.
months of the war's onset, legal action was brought to eliminate the German
language from American schools. The flagship case was the Mockett Law
in Nebraska. 26 other states followed suit, banning instruction in and of
German. When the Missouri Synod Lutherans of Nebraska brought the test
case, Meyer v. Nebraska, the ban on German was reconfirmed by all the
courts until it reached the U.S. Supreme Court who, on June 4, 1923, held
that a mere knowledge of German could not be regarded as harmful to the
state, and added that the right of parents to have their children taught in a
language other than English was within the liberties guaranteed by the
Fourteenth Amendment. By then it was too late.
For generations, children in old Amana Colony spoke German in schools and learned English only as a second language.
But when the United States entered the war, state investigators monitored Amana schools throughout the war to make
sure Amana was not on Germany’s side. After Governor Harding's new law banned the use of any language other than
English, there was a devastating effect. Although the law was overturned at the end of war, the more widespread use of
English which had been forced on the Amanas could not be reversed. Kids still received Sunday school lessons in
German, but English was taught in the schools, and the old German dialect was by and large lost.
But when the United States entered the war, state investigators monitored Amana schools throughout the war to make
sure Amana was not on Germany’s side. After Governor Harding's new law banned the use of any language other than
English, there was a devastating effect. Although the law was overturned at the end of war, the more widespread use of
English which had been forced on the Amanas could not be reversed. Kids still received Sunday school lessons in
German, but English was taught in the schools, and the old German dialect was by and large lost.
In the area around Ebenezer, Geogia where German speaking Salzburgers were the first settlers in
the early 18th century, businesses with German-sounding names took new names because of
anti-Germanism. The German Mutual Fire Insurance Company became the Atlanta Mutual Fire
Insurance Company and the German-American club was renamed the Lexington Society.
the early 18th century, businesses with German-sounding names took new names because of
anti-Germanism. The German Mutual Fire Insurance Company became the Atlanta Mutual Fire
Insurance Company and the German-American club was renamed the Lexington Society.
The unveiling of the magnificent Pastorius monument by Albert Jaegers to the founding of Germantown,
Pennsylvania by Francis Daniel Pastorius in 1683 was postponed because of anti-German sentiment during the
U.S. entry into World War One and the monument was encased in a large box by the War Department until its
dedication in 1920. Again, when the United States entered World War Two, the monument was crated and hidden
by the government until the war ended.
Pennsylvania by Francis Daniel Pastorius in 1683 was postponed because of anti-German sentiment during the
U.S. entry into World War One and the monument was encased in a large box by the War Department until its
dedication in 1920. Again, when the United States entered World War Two, the monument was crated and hidden
by the government until the war ended.