During the 19th century some 1,452,870 Germans immigrated to America. After 1850 they were the dominant immigrant group and repeatedly outnumbered the Irish each subsequent decade. Prior to the 19th century German immigrants were typically affiliated with a Christian religious sect and were seeking religious freedom. However, once America became a nation of cheap land and employment the German immigrants were typically farmers, tradesmen, mechanics and unskilled workers seeking better economic advantages. Others sought political asylum from the powers at be in Germany. The liberal movement spawned by Kant, Fichte, Geothe, and Schiller was struggling for survival in a conservative Lutheran nation where their ideas were considered sacrilege. The young University students who were attracted by liberalism were also attracted by the prospect of moving to a more accepting nation. For farmers America provided an immense wealth of cheap land. The homestead law of 1862, which provided 160 acres, as long as it was developed for five years, encouraged many German farmers to immigrate and move to the American Mid-west and West. Unlike many other immigrant groups the Germans were not driven to immigration by poverty.
Once in America the Germans dispersed across the West and Midwest. There were several urban centers upon which German immigrants converged in large numbers. They were St. Louis, Belleville, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Milwaukee. The state of Wisconsin in particular became the home of many German immigrants during the 1800s. Compared to other immigrant groups the Germans were by far the most socially acceptable in America. They had a protestant background, were typically thrifty and reasonably well educated. Even the Immigration Restriction League expressed a preference for the German immigrant. German immigrants of the 19th century were primarily farmers. However, they were also the dominant skilled work force in the major cities.
Once in America the Germans dispersed across the West and Midwest. There were several urban centers upon which German immigrants converged in large numbers. They were St. Louis, Belleville, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Milwaukee. The state of Wisconsin in particular became the home of many German immigrants during the 1800s. Compared to other immigrant groups the Germans were by far the most socially acceptable in America. They had a protestant background, were typically thrifty and reasonably well educated. Even the Immigration Restriction League expressed a preference for the German immigrant. German immigrants of the 19th century were primarily farmers. However, they were also the dominant skilled work force in the major cities.
A Century Later
Americans with German ancestry still heavily populate the Midwest.