Showing posts with label German in USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label German in USA. Show all posts
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Monday, December 29, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
6. Oktober: German American Day -- Ronald Reagan
THIS is from German About.com
In the month of October Americans (and some Canadians) commemorate the Germanic heritage element of American (and Canadian) society. About one in four Americans claims to have German ancestors. German-Americans from Adolph Coors to Albert Einstein have made important contributions to both American and world culture. The legendary Brooklyn Bridge was designed by a German-born engineer. The American rockets to the moon were designed and supervised by another German-American. There were Germans among the Jamestown settlers in 1607 and Germans (Prussians, Austrians, etc.) have continued to migrate to the New World until the present day--most notably during the two migratory waves of the late 1840s and from 1880 to 1889.
Here's an excerpt from President Ronald Reagan's 1987 German-American Day proclamation:
"The United States has embraced a vast array of German traditions, institutions, and influences. Many of these have become so accepted as parts of our way of life that their ethnic origin has been obscured. For instance, Christmas trees and Broadway musicals are familiar features of American society. Our kindergartens, graduate schools, the social security system, and labor unions are all based on models derived from Germany.
German teachers, musicians, and enthusiastic amateurs have left an indelible imprint on classical music, hymns, choral singing, and marching bands in our country. In architecture and design, German contributions include the modern suspension bridge, Bauhaus, and Jugendstil. German-American scientists have helped make the United States the world's pioneer in research and technology. The American work ethic, a major factor in the rapid rise of the United States to preeminence in agriculture and industry, owes much to German-Americans' commitment to excellence."
HERE IS A LINK TO A KAHOOTS QUIZ devised by German teacher, Frau Kim Warner, in honor of this day. Share your score below!
In the month of October Americans (and some Canadians) commemorate the Germanic heritage element of American (and Canadian) society. About one in four Americans claims to have German ancestors. German-Americans from Adolph Coors to Albert Einstein have made important contributions to both American and world culture. The legendary Brooklyn Bridge was designed by a German-born engineer. The American rockets to the moon were designed and supervised by another German-American. There were Germans among the Jamestown settlers in 1607 and Germans (Prussians, Austrians, etc.) have continued to migrate to the New World until the present day--most notably during the two migratory waves of the late 1840s and from 1880 to 1889.
Here's an excerpt from President Ronald Reagan's 1987 German-American Day proclamation:
"The United States has embraced a vast array of German traditions, institutions, and influences. Many of these have become so accepted as parts of our way of life that their ethnic origin has been obscured. For instance, Christmas trees and Broadway musicals are familiar features of American society. Our kindergartens, graduate schools, the social security system, and labor unions are all based on models derived from Germany.
German teachers, musicians, and enthusiastic amateurs have left an indelible imprint on classical music, hymns, choral singing, and marching bands in our country. In architecture and design, German contributions include the modern suspension bridge, Bauhaus, and Jugendstil. German-American scientists have helped make the United States the world's pioneer in research and technology. The American work ethic, a major factor in the rapid rise of the United States to preeminence in agriculture and industry, owes much to German-Americans' commitment to excellence."
HERE IS A LINK TO A KAHOOTS QUIZ devised by German teacher, Frau Kim Warner, in honor of this day. Share your score below!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
German as America’s official language in 1795--April Fools
By NCC Staff | National Constitution Center – Mon, Apr 1, 2013
On April 1, 1789, Frederick Muhlenberg was chosen as the first speaker of the House of Representatives. Muhlenberg’s father, Henry, was born in Germany, and he was considered the founder of the Lutheran Church in the Colonies.
Young Frederick was born outside of Philadelphia; he studied theology in Germany. He began his life of public service as a member of the Continental Congress. He also served as the speaker of Pennsylvania’s House and led the Pennsylvania delegation that ratified the Constitution.
Muhlenberg then emerged as the preferred candidate for the speaker’s role as the House neared a quorum for its first meeting in 1789.
During two terms as speaker, Muhlenberg was the first person to sign the Bill of Rights, but his tie-breaking vote on the controversial Jay Treaty proved to be his undoing. Muhlenberg lost a re-election bid after that, and his national political career was over.
But his “legendary” role in preventing the adoption of German as the United States’ official language gained steam over the years.
The late German academic Willi Paul Adams published a study in 1990 that included an explanation of why so many people believed Muhlenberg acted to block a congressional resolution that would have made German the national language.
----Continue reading article HERE...
I find it fascinating to learn about what Muehlenberg accomplished. Yes, I had heard about the importance of German language in the early history of our nation, and almost believed the rumor when it originally appeared in the Ann Landers column. Actually though, a proposal to translate into German any legal decisions was defeated by a single vote -- after a recess was needed.
This all took place well before the largest influx of German immigrants arrived here.
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