Fifth Grade
Worksheets
Why Did the Germans Come to America?
Sauerkraut, tubas, and beer. German immigrants brought these things to the United States. They were among the first immigrants from Europe. They helped settle the colony of Jamestown in 1607. Later, German people settled in New Amsterdam, which is now the state of New York.
During the 17th century, many European countries forced their people to follow an official state religion. Many German Protestants were treated badly for not following the Catholic faith. They jumped at the chance to join William Penn in his colony of Pennsylvania. Religious groups such as the Mennonites, Quakers, and Amish came to the New World in large numbers.
During the 19th century, conditions in Germany were poor. There was widespread unemployment. Farmers' land was being taken by the government. The British sold cheaper goods and competed with German merchants. Because of these things, many people left Germany for a better life in the United States.
Many Germans did find a better life here. Soon, they began to write home to their friends and relatives. They told about higher wages and lower food prices. Land was cheap, and businesses were booming. America truly was the "land of opportunity."
Some of these letters were read aloud in taverns. American land companies and railroads gave out literature saying what a great country America had become.
