This paper examines the experience of ethnic discrimination faced by German Americans in the United States, tracing their history from the earliest waves of migration in the 1700s through the social and political upheavals of the World Wars. Drawing on census data, historical records, and research by economist Petra Moser on discriminatory practices at the New York Stock Exchange, the paper argues that while German immigrants were largely shielded from labor market discrimination by their professional skills, anti-German sentiment intensified during WWI. The paper also touches on the author's personal connection to German cultural heritage within the American mainstream.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the issue of ethnic discrimination in the USA as it relates to German Americans. Germans represent one of the largest communities to have emigrated to the United States, which makes it important to examine the circumstances through which their community developed from its origins to the present day.
Research in the area suggests that German migration to the United States began in the 1700s. The number of German immigrants was so large that some Americans feared they would have a strong impact on the predominant English culture. One of the main causes that led Germans to move to the United States was the need for employment. As one source explains, "Because of the opportunity to own farmland in the United States, the freedom it offers to practice religion, non-existent military conscription, and a better economy, Germans have made the United States of America the prime country to migrate to" (Mitchell).
It is worth noting that German immigrants were generally highly skilled, which allowed them not only to find employment with relative ease, but also to secure positions in higher-income sectors (Darity). Since competition over employment was a significant source of tension between ethnic groups arriving in the United States, one might ask whether this led to discrimination driven by dual labor market tendencies. The evidence suggests it did not.
Nevertheless, research does indicate that other forms of discrimination existed. A study by economist Petra Moser, titled "Ethnic Discrimination at the NYSE?", examines discriminatory practices in one prominent American institution. As Moser explains, "The New York Stock Exchange's long life and distinctive mechanisms of admitting new members offers a unique window to the history of ethnic discrimination in the United States. Membership and the right to trade securities is restricted to the owners of 1,366 seats at the exchange" (Moser).
Moser's study covers the period between 1883 and 1973. According to her findings, "in the early history of the exchange, Jewish and German applicants were significantly more likely to be rejected, while Irish applicants were slightly favored. The advent of WWI in 1914 raised the probability that applicants with German names would be rejected by 10%" (Moser).
At the outset, the professional skills of German immigrants helped shield them from labor market discrimination. However, the political and historical developments that led to two world wars — with Germany playing a central role in both — are believed to have gradually changed the social climate. Anti-German sentiment intensified during these periods, as reflected in the NYSE admission data, and illustrates how national and geopolitical events can translate into concrete, measurable forms of ethnic prejudice even in economic institutions.
"Largest ethnic minority; reduced discrimination today"
"Author's connection to German and American cultures"
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