National German-American Alliance

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The National German-American Alliance, also called the NGAA or Deutschamerikanische Nationalbund, was founded Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 6, 1901 by Charles J. Hexamer, who also served as its president until 1917.[1][2] Operating as a federation of ethnic German associations, by 1914 the Alliance claimed more than two million members. The mission of the NGAA was to "promote and preserve German culture in America"; essentially seeking to resist the assimilation of Germans in America.[3]

Contents

[edit] About

At the height of its popularity, the national organization had chapters in forty-four states and membership levels of 2.5 million people. A professional movement, the NGAA promoted German language instruction in school, the foundation of educational societies, including the German Historical Society, and the publication of histories and journals to demonstrate "the role German-Americans had played in the development of the United States."

The organization was given a United States Congressional Charter in 1907. With support from the National Brewers Association and brewing companies across the United States, as well as German farmers and commercial enterprises, the NGAA grew quickly. However, due to rising anti-German sentiment due to the NGAA’s outspokenness against prohibition, its stance for neutrality during World War I, and its support of Germany, especially its practice of raising money for German war relief, the NGAA's charter was revoked in August 1918.[4]

After continuing their advocacy for German culture throughout the War, the National German-American Alliance faced a Senate investigation in 1918. Under political pressure from all sides, the NGAA folded in April 1918.[5]

[edit] Publications

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ "A German-American Chronology." Society for German American Studies. Retrieved 9/4/07.
  2. ^ "Syllabus for German Immigrant Culture in America." Society for German American Studies. Retrieved 9/4/07.
  3. ^ Kazal, R.A. (2004) Becoming Old Stock: The Paradox of German-American Identity. Princeton University Press. Retrieved 9/4/07.
  4. ^ von Stueben Monument, National Park Service. Retrieved 9/4/07.
  5. ^ Conzen, K.N. (1980) "Germans," in Harvard Encyclopedia of American Ethnic Groups, ed. Thernstrom, S. Harvard University Press. p 423.

[edit] Bibliography


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