Author: Alfred A. CurranPublisher:
ISBN:
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 104
Book Description
The purpose of this study is to provide an overall view of the role of the German immigrant in Pennsylvania over a period of two hundred and fifty years. It pursues to enhance a better understanding of German immigration to this vital, agricultural and industrial state. My thesis attempts to interpret the Pennsylvania-Germans in terms of their respective value to American, society and deals with various educational, sociological, political and economic questions confronting this selective group of immigrants. My thesis deals likewise with the argument of mass-immigration during the late nineteenth century and discusses the heterogeneous impact on the disruption, of a pre-existing Pennsylvania culture. To cast light on religious issues I have ventured to uncover the broad cultural trends of all denominations among Pennsylvania-German immigrants that affected American society as a whole, not merely those who happened to control political power. In regard to aspirations of achievement I have attempted to portray the German immigrants' adaptability to American customs as the key to success or failure. Moreover, I have placed emphasis on the polarities of conflict, unity and diversity that describe not only the American political system but also the cultural milieu upon which it is based. In this context I have also examined the political preeminence of the ruling elite which consisted mostly of male white Protestants. Suffice it to say that the Protestant aristocracy held all positions of power and prestige in Pennsylvania during the Colonial period. In the area of ethnic friction I have discussed the two major arguments raised by "upper class" nativists, primarily that the American economy could not absorb additional immigrants without depriving native workers of jobs, and secondly that hybridization would threaten the preservation of American purity. This critical issue obliged me also to discuss the subject of regional nativism in the interest of a better balanced view. Through the thematic arrangement of chapters I have presented the immigration and assimilation processes in chronological order, and I have exposed the principal aspects of the Pennsylvania-peasant culture in its true perspective. Supported by pertinent, primary evidence I felt justified in referring to the "Dutch" as a group of incorrigible, partly nationalistic minded Germans who conscientiously defied the progress of science, technology and Federal legislation. I have also displayed the notions and policies of the Federal government to control immigration for fear that the "admission of I and breeding with inferior stock would lead to racial suicide," During this broad and often detailed research I have been primarily guided by common sense, logical conclusions and obvious facts rather than by assumptions or interpretive biases of consulted authors. Moreover, my first hand studies and observations, and my familiarity with the Germans living in the farm belts of Pennsylvania provided excellent guidance. I foresee my conclusions may well be at variance with the findings of other researchers examining the broad aspects of the same topic. I am thoroughly convinced, though, that the role of the German immigrant within the structure of American society was always important, and should be viewed as a symbiotic relationship in which he competed with other groups for his livelihood and social improvement.
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