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The Week in Germany: Culture July 28, 2006 The “German Athens:” Milwaukee, Wisconsin The government of Wisconsin played an active role in attracting German immigrants to the state. In 1852, Wisconsin established a Commission of Immigration with a resident commissioner in New York whose duty it was to distribute pamphlets extolling Wisconsin's attributes.
Disbanded in 1855, it was re-established in 1867 during the second great wave of German immigration. But the greatest motivation for German settlers was the firsthand accounts of friends and family members who attested to the quality of their new lives in the state, where land was relatively easy to come by and the German community had firmly established itself. German organizations and clubs were instrumental in creating a German consciousness in Wisconsin. Much of German social life revolved around the many musical and athletic societies, freedom of thought organizations, horticultural societies, cultural clubs, socialist groups, and religious organizations. A strong German-language press and the informal institution of the beer hall also played key roles in keeping with the traditions of the homeland while assimilating to their new home. All of these gave Milwaukee the nickname “the German Athens.” One of these was the Turnverein, or Turner Society, a group suppressed by then prince Metternich of Austria because it focused on an atmosphere of congenial, lively debate. The Turners, who were primarily gymnasts but also interested in disseminating political theory, became active in many German-American communities. Milwaukee’s Turnverein is perhaps the most famous. Today, Milwaukee citizens play an active part in revitalizing and celebrating German culture in their city. Milwaukee is now home to the largest German Fest in the United States, in its 25th year in 2005. Links: |
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