Germans in Wisconsin

by Richard H. Zeitlin

Between 1820 and 1910, nearly five and a half million German-speaking immigrants came to the United States in search of new homes, new opportunities, and freedom from European tyrannies. Most settled in the Midwest, and many came to Wisconsin, whose rich farmlands and rising cities attracted three major waves of immigrants. By 1900, German farmers, merchants, manufacturers, editors, and educators—to say nothing of German churches (both Catholic and Lutheran), cultural institutions, food, and folkways—had all set their mark upon Wisconsin. In the most recent census (1990), more than 53 percent of the state's residents considered themselves "German"—the highest of any state in the Union.

In this best-selling book, now with updated text and additional historical photographs, Richard H. Zeitlin describes the values and ideas the Germans brought with them from the Old Country; highlights their achievements on the farm, in the workplace, and in the academy over the course of 150 years; and explains why their impact has been so profound and pervasive.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

72 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2000

Reviews

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my husband with Milwaukee ancestors to enrich his family history research. I enjoyed it as much or more than he did even though my German roots are sparse in the southern U.S. states . Love the book - the photos are beautiful and the history is interesting. I have always had a fondness for visiting Milwaukee and this book will accompany me on my next trip to explore Milwaukee culture.

[Susan Smith]

Short overview of Germans, German institutions and contributions to Wisconsin's development. Journal excerpts included of the voyage, clearing the land, farming, and social life. Emphasis on German cities and counties.

[Mary Northrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read (72 pp.), and admittedly only of interest to Wisconsinites, this book was a good source of info about the heavily German immigrant origins of Wisconsin.

[Estella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wished it was longer!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live in Wisconsin and have German ancestry (and apparently there are a lot of us), this book offers an interesting overview of German immigration and early years in our state. I didn't even know why most Germans immigrated before this book. It's a short book but has a high reading level. I would've been interested in a little more about German identity and activities after the World Wars. The immigrant's letter at the end is a fascinating read.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief, easy-to-read history of Germans in Wisconsin. Zeitlin covers the three main waves of German immigration and the typical experience of the German immigrant, as well as the impacts they have had on the culture of Wisconsin. A good read for Wisconsites to better understand the history of our state.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping for more detail, but definitely enjoyed learning about how Germans came to Wisconsin and influenced the future of my home state. I'm glad to live in a time when one is allowed to be proud to be German.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the eBook version from my library system. I was interested in it not so much from the German experience in Wisconsin - although I live there at present - but as a clue to the German experience in the Upper Midwest.

It was interesting to relate it to my family's presumed experiences!

[Cathy Bonney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting , quick reading - describes the values and ideas the Germans brought with them from the Old Country.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice view of life for the early immigrants