Wisconsin Migration History (Seminar, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Spring Semester, 2002)
Course GER 804 (European Studies Seminar), Helmut Schmahl, Wednesdays 3:30-5:20
Wisconsin's early white settlers were mainly Frenchmen and Yankees from New England and New York State. German-speaking immigrants began coming to Wisconsin in large numbers in the 1840s and soon constituted the largest part of its population. Other substantial groups included Scandinavians, particularly Norwegians, as well as Irish, Dutch, and Poles. We will examine the migration and settlement processes of various ethnic groups in 19th-century Wisconsin and look at various aspects of acculturation, e. g. farming cultures, occupational patterns, and community development. Special emphasis will be on German immigrants who showed a great diversity in their regional, religious, and socio-economic background.
Students are expected to give a 30-minute presentation in class and write a seminar paper of up to 15 pages.
Recommended literature: Robert C. Ostergren / Thomas R. Vale (eds.). 1997. Wisconsin Land and Life. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. ISBN 0-299-15354-1.