Germany Essay, Research Paper
American Studies
December 10, 2000
Germany
Germany is a country located in Central Europe bordering the North Sea and the
Baltic Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland. The size of Germany is just a bit smaller
than Montana. The terrain consists of lowlands in the northern part, uplands in the center
area, and the Bavarian Alps in the southern region. The population as of nineteen ninety
five was approximately eighty-one thousand, three hundred and thirty- eight. The
religious preference in Germany is mostly Protestant and Roman Catholic. Germany is
mainly an industry based country. Most male adults would learn a trade such as
electrician to be their life long job.
The man I interviewed about his immigration from Germany in nineteen fifty two
is Heinz Ginsberg. Mr. Ginsberg was born in Nordlingen, Germany1. Not only did he live
in Germany but also Poland. In about nineteen twenty Mr. Ginsberg s parents filled out
an application for passage to the United States. After being interviewed and their request
accepted the family was sponsored by a company to travel to the United States on a Navy
ship. The process was called troop transport. The name of the organization is unsure
but it is certain that upon arriving in the United States the family was given two
apartments and twenty dollars to begin their new life. The reason for their leaving
Germany to live in a strange country was simply for a better life.
Germany s culture is different from that of the United States in many ways. In
Europe speaking is very formal. When addressing a person other than a close friend the
person s last name and title were always used unless they accept otherwise. However in
the United States we commonly address people by their first name. Another difference is
their holidays, like Christmas. December twenty fourth is when Christmas is celebrated
in Germany, therefor the twenty-third would be considered Christmas eve. On Christmas
eve there is a big meal followed by the lighting of the tree and opening of presents. The
twenty-fifth and twenty sixth are days they reserve for visiting friends and family.
The food in Germany is nothing like that of the food here. Upon arriving in the
United States Heinz first experienced American food. It didn t agree with him or the rest
of his family very well until they adjusted to it. One of the main differences between the
foods is the meat. There are many different kinds of meats in the United States , whereas
in Germany the variety isn t as diverse.
Schooling is yet another difference between the United States and Germany. In
Germany and Poland it was mandatory to have eight years of school. This eight years was
usually from the age of six until the age of fourteen. At fourteen most males began
working as an apprentice to a skilled worker or factory. The apprenticeship lasted four
years. The first year the apprentice would earn twenty five dollars a week, the second
he d earn fifty-five dollars a week, the third year would be seventy five, and the fourth
year the apprentices work would be reviewed to see how much he should earn.
In the years between nineteen thirty-seven and nineteen forty-seven Heinz and his
mother and brothers lived in Poland. While living in Poland with their German mother
during the war their father was working in a German concentration camp. Their father
was German-Jew who was only spared from death because of his working ability. Heinz
and his brothers weren t taken to a camp because they were only half German-Jews and
they were under the age of seventeen when their father was taken. In nineteen forty-seven
their father managed to escape the camp while it was being bombed and people were in a
panic.
Heinz and his older brother immigrated in February, his other brothers and
parents came over in May of the same year. The transport took seven days, before
arriving at a New York port. They did not have to go to Ellis Island or an immigrant
checkpoint in New York. From New York they were transported to Boston where they
were given the apartments. They lived among many other immigrants, many of whom
were Polish and had come over on the ship with them. Heinz has said the war didn t
influence their immigration because it had already come to an end when they left.
Of course there were setbacks as well as high points. The Ginsberg family did not
know a word of English when they first arrived. They spoke only German and some
Polish. In January of nineteen fifty three Heinz was drafted into the army. While in the
army he was taught English and received his citizenship. He was discharged in December
of nineteen fifty four about five days before Christmas. Before being drafted his first
job was in a garment factory in Boston. At this job he earned seventy-five cents an hour.
The second place he worked was a machine shop in Roxbury where he earned eighty-five
cents an hour. Both those jobs were largely employed by Polish immigrants. His third job
was with his father in the sign industry in Boston. His brother went on to own his own
sign shop at which Heinz later worked.
Normally, citizenship is received after five years of residency in the United
States. Every year in about January the immigrant must fill out a form giving an update
of their life in the past year. The form basically ask if there has been any criminal
problems, like speeding tickets, etc. However, Heinz received his citizenship in the army
after only two and a half years because of his service. While in the army he was sent to
France to work with post engineers.
From the start Heinz told me that he and his family traveled to the United States
for a better life. There are many opportunities in the United States that weren t open to
the family living in Germany. The pay here was better than in Germany and Poland and
there were more employment opportunities that required less skill. About eighty percent
of the immigrants who came to the United States between nineteen thirty and nineteen
sixty were from Europe, just like Heinz and his family.2 The idea of beginning a new life
was both appealing and surreal.
After living in the United States for almost fifty years now, Heinz doesn t regret
his decision one bit. When asked if he would do it all over again he said without
hesitation, No question asked. The reason; because in this country he found a home
and made a family. He was successful in the sign industry alongside his brother for many
years after being discharged from the army. In fact, it was just recently that he retired that
very profession. Ever since leaving Germany he has only been back twice. His brothers
still visit from time to time but they all agree that the United States is their home
Другие работы по теме:
American Essay Research Paper What does it
American Essay, Research Paper What does it mean to be “American?” What makes it “American?” And how does it make us “American?” American stands for the beliefs, the music, as well as the people that come from
Los Vendidos Essay Research Paper Los Vendidos
Los Vendidos Essay, Research Paper Los Vendidos means the sell-outs. All the characters in the play sold-out at some point during the play. The characters sold out both their races and their way of life. I would say that the person who sold out the most was the Mexican-American because he sold-out both his Mexican, his American heritage and way of life.
Alfred Wegener Essay Research Paper Alfred Wegener
Alfred Wegener Essay, Research Paper Alfred Wegener was an explorer and meteorologist, born in Berlin, who first came up with the “Continental Drift Theory” or the “Wegener Theory.” This theory stated that all of the continents came from one super continent, also known as Pangea, which spread apart gradually moving into their current positions on Earth.
Aims Of Germany And Japan Essay Research
Paper The Aims of Germany and Japan The 1930s were a tumultuous time. After World War I, the Allied powers seemed determined to preserve peace, but Germany and Japan held a shared
Genocide Essay Research Paper The Germans and
Genocide Essay, Research Paper The Germans and the non-Jewish world treated the Jewish people horribly. They looked for freedom, growth, and a better government after World War I. Instead, Jews became prisoners of their own country in Germany. They were put into concentration camps even though they helped Germany by fighting in World War I.
Germany
’s Government: Chancellor Democracy Essay, Research Paper Germany’s Government: Chancellor Democracy Steve Rice Political Science 90 Computer Project
American Flag Essay Research Paper Betsy Ross
American Flag Essay, Research Paper Betsy Ross lived from 1752 to 1836. She was born to Elizabeth Griscom in Philadelphia. In 1773 she ran away with John Ross to get married. But her
America Essay Research Paper What does it
America Essay, Research Paper What does it mean to be “American?” What makes it”American?” And how does it make us “American?” American standsfor the beliefs, the music, as well as the people that come fromthis great nation. The beliefs of this great nation speak every language.These beliefs stretch from the furthest reaches of Africa to thecity life of New York.
Norman Schwarzkopf Essay Research Paper Norman SchwarzkopfNorman
Norman Schwarzkopf Essay, Research Paper Norman Schwarzkopf Norman Schwarzkopf and I are alike in many ways. He and I both have family in Germany. His father lives in Germany and my great grandparents live in Germany. He served in Vietnam and so did my grandfather.
Authoritarian Government In Germany 18711914 Essay Research
Paper Authoritarian Government in Germany 1871-1914 The Unification of Germany under there the powerful leader Otto Von Bismark led to the Authoritarian style government in Germany for the next forty years through his aggressive and sometimes underhanded leadership qualities. Bismark united Germany too Prussia not uniting Germany as an equal and fair whole this was the main cause for this new authoritarian style government.
Plutonium Essay Research Paper An American Chemist
Plutonium Essay, Research Paper An American Chemist named Glenn T. Seaborg discovered plutonium in 1941 at Berkeley University in California. The discovery of Plutonium was not announced until 1946 because America was at war with Japan and Germany. Plutonium was named after the planet Pluto, after the planet Neptune in the solar system and Neptune gave its name to Neptunium.
Versailles Treaty Essay Research Paper Treaty of
Versailles Treaty Essay, Research Paper Treaty of Versailles The treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed at the end of World War I between Germany and the Allies. It was negotiated during the Paris Peace Conference held in Versailles beginning January 18, 1919. The allies represented were the United States, Great Britain, France, and Italy.
American Revolution Essay Research Paper Q
American Revolution Essay, Research Paper Q: Explain why Japan reacted to western ideas by adopting a policy of isolation. How did this reaction to outside influences effect Japans development over the next few centuries.
Effects Of The Treaty Of Versailles On
Germany Essay, Research Paper The Effects of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany World War I was one of the bloodiest and deadliest wars of all time. Many agreed that there were to be no more wars hence a treaty was signed. However, the contents of the treaty were not to Germany?s favour. The treaty of Versailles had a great role in Germany?s decision and desire to enter into war.
Speaker
#3 Essay, Research Paper He was born on Essen of Germany. He was an ordinary citizen of Germany. The keyword to this essay is that word “was.” After the NAZI came into power, he was treated as an “inferior race.” He did not beat anyone up or abuse anyone. So, why was he being treated badly? He was a Jewish person in a new era.
American Ethics Essay Research Paper American Beauty
American Ethics Essay, Research Paper American Beauty is a very intricate film portraying the sarcasm intertwined within American values, or beauties. Every scene within American Beauty influences each character in the movie as well as other scenes. The structure of this flick is as if it were not possible to remove one scene from the work, otherwise the entire movie would collapse like a domino effect.
WWII Why Did The US Get Involved
In The War? Essay, Research Paper WWII: Why did the U.S. get involved in the war? At the beginning, the United States expressed the determination to remain a neutral nation. When W.W.II began, opinions among the Americans were
Was Americas Role In Wwi Justi Essay
, Research Paper Was America s role in WWI justified? The U.S. entered World War I in 1917. This was very late in the war and America didn t have much of a chance to do anything very significant. However the entrance of the U.S. in the war was justified. Three of most significant reasons the U.S. entered the war for were all successfully completed.
Heading Towards Ww2 Essay Research Paper Heading
Heading Towards Ww2 Essay, Research Paper Heading Towards WWII World War II was a result of how World War I was resolved. The Treaty of Versailles, signed at the end of the Great War, was supposed to bring about change and
American Dream Essay Research Paper scribes the
American Dream Essay, Research Paper scribes the defeat of the American dream, and that the American ideals differ with the actual social conditions that exist in society. For the American constitutions stands for the freedom, and equality among people, but the truth of the matter is that social discrimination still exists and the grouping among the classes can never be overcome.
DDay Essay Research Paper United States battles
D-Day Essay, Research Paper United States battles U.S. & Britain invade which they call D-Day On June 6, 1944 there was a big invasion on the northern coast of France. Normandy was the site of the invasion. The attack was scheduled to be a day earlier on June 5. Germany was occupied and not expected to be attacked from the north.The allied forces were fighting in Italy and the generals of those nations were planning an invasion.
Unification Of Germany And Italy Essay Research
Paper The similarities between the unification of Germany and the unification of Italy are: they both were unified after a series of wars and during both countries unifications France received the bad end of it. Other similarities were after the unifications both countries were ruled by a monarch and the people who were unified generaly felt more loyalty to their local government thanto the new monarchs.
Why Did World War One End Essay
, Research Paper There are many factors affecting the end of World War One, but there are three factors, which are particularly important; German weakness, American intervention and malaise with war, each of which will be discussed in this essay. Why was Germany weak? After all, its armies had won on the eastern front and were winning on the western front (excluding the second factor of American intervention.) Germany’s weakness becomes quite evident when we investigate the situation on Germany’s “home front.” Germany was experiencing severe famine, most of the people were starving and the politicians were worried.
Guns Of August Essay Research Paper The
Guns Of August Essay, Research Paper The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman Barbara Tuchman’s “Guns of August” is about World War 1. Her book has a unique way of telling this story. Her books gives explanations for each country’s
Naval Warships Essay Research Paper The Navy
Naval Warships Essay, Research Paper The Navy in World War I Prior to World War I, the U.S. Navy was not a prominent factor in the foreign economy. However, it was World War I that brought about the true potential power of the U.S. Navy. After World War I, the U.S. Navy became a prominent instrument in the foreign policy of the world.
Past Essay Research Paper Michelle Brandon My
Past Essay, Research Paper Michelle Brandon My Past: I was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1983 then in 1985 I moved to Germany. I stayed in Germany for 3 years then I moved to calgary for 2 years. Cakgary is a nice place to live it s a big city compared to Germany. Germany is a beautiful place to go, I would like to go back to Germany for a visit.
Americain Education Essay Research Paper Binomische Formeln
Americain Education Essay, Research Paper Binomische Formeln” vs. “Derivative” German state and American private education I am a German exchange student who lives at the moment at an American private school in Connecticut. It is a new and exciting experience for me, and I have noticed that the school in Germany and the USA is very different.
Three EmperorsS League Essay Research Paper 1
Three Emperors?S League Essay, Research Paper 1. Three Emperors?s League: In 1873 this league linked the monarchs of Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Russia in an alliance against racial movements.
How Did The Nazi Party Get So
Big? Essay, Research Paper Hitler’s Nazi party came to power almost entirely because of accidents. In 1929 the American Stock Market crashed, a powerful symbol of the growing
Hitlers Germany Essay Research Paper One reason
Hitlers Germany Essay, Research Paper One reason the people of Germany accepted Hitler’s orders willingly and without question was beause it was what they wanted to hear. At the time the depression
An Excerpt From Joseph Freeman
’s AN AMERICAN TESTAMENT Essay, Research Paper from An American Testament by novelist and apparatchik Joseph Freeman (1936) Reconciliation to the city is only a prelude to our transformation. The conflict of
Hitler Essay Research Paper Hitler came to
Hitler Essay, Research Paper Hitler came to power the legitimate way, through participating in elections. True he broke or bent a few rules and cheated and lied but probably no more than any other politician. It is common belief that had Hitler come along at another less desperate time for Germany, history would have played itself out very differently.