Customer Reviews

Hopeful Journeys: German Immigration, Settlement, and Political Culture in Colonial America, 1717-1775 (Early American Studies)

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Aaron Fogleman presents new research to help in understanding some characteristics of the German migration to the new world during the 1700's. His language is somewhat stilted, or others might describe it as scholarly, somewhat like a graduate school thesis. But there is lots of good information between it's covers. One of the most interesting themes in the book is tracking the immigrants from one particular region located between Heidelberg and Heilbronn, along the Neckar River. This detailed information helps one to see exactly what was involved in the decision to go to the New World, in the trip getting there, and in beginning a new life in Pennsylvania. The author also treats the German political scene in colonial Pennsylvania.

The book is heavily foot-noted, with an extensive bibliography and index. A good source book for further studies of the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.

This book is fascinating for anyone descended, as I am, from the German immigrants who entered the country in the first half of the eighteenth century. The author provides an intelligent, well-researched analysis of the reasons for emigration from the Palatinate (he focuses on a region just southeast of Heidelberg) and the means by which these men and women managed to survive in the New World--especially southeast Pennsylvania, but also North Carolina. Population pressure and struggles with the Palatinate princes were crucial in inducing emigration; and cultural cohesiveness and community identity helped the Germans to survive.

The writing is at times difficult--the author is addicted to split infinitives, for example--but this remains a useful introduction to the subject for anyone interested in American history or--especially--for those exploring their immigrant roots.

My ancestor is mentioned in this book. I have spent years researching him and could only trace him back to when he came to America. This book talks about his life in Germany. Now I know where I came from. Love it!