Abstract
The German revolutionary, Friedrich Hecker (1809–1881), led an ill-fated insurrection in the opening months of the Revolution of 1848–49. While the rebellion failed, his commitment to political resistance against overwhelming authoritarian rule is exemplary—especially in today’s political environment. Following his defeat he was forced to immigrate to the United States as a political refugee, where he became a folk hero for the 1.5 million Germans who fled to America for political. economic, and environmental reasons. Despite an initial climate of racism against them, these German Americans (and Hecker!) quickly organized to abolish slavery; they helped found the Republican Party and elect Abraham Lincoln as President: and they made-up the largest single contingent of foreign-born soldiers in the Union Army. Hecker and these immigrants are emblematic of the diversity of peoples who leave their homelands to find security and a better life in the United States—yesterday and today. Has immigration ever been bad for America?!
Presenters
Steven FullerAssociate Professor of German and International Studies, World Languages and Literatures, German, Portland State University, Oregon, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Emigration, Immigration, Environmental Disaster, Political Engagement, Ethnic Identity
