Johannes Hanner: German Immigrants To America

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Germany in the eighteenth century wasn 't really Germany like we see today. Instead Germany at this time was divided in many different states, where each state was ruled by a prince who decided the countries religion. People who did not accept the religion; and were caught, were often persecuted. During this time period people in Germany fled Germany in search of a better place with more freedom. People wanted the liberty to have their own religion, land, and basically a better life than the one they were offered in Germany. Many migrated to Austria-Hungary and The Russian Empire, but some migrated to America. Johannes Hanner a German immigrant that migrated to America for a better life wrote a letter to his family about how America has given …show more content…

Tanner writes to his family “To begin with, we are all, thank God, fresh and healthy as long as the lord wills, and if at last you are also in good health, this delight my heart” (VOF 55). What Hanner means by this is that by him writing to his family from America he is finally having the freedom to do anything in America. Unlike when he lived in Germany where he was limited to many things. What I mean by this is that Hanner is finally living a happy life. When Hanner writes to his family “and if at last your are also in good health” This part of the quote in particular shows that there is a chance that Hanner’s family may still be in Germany or possibly migrated to a different country. It also shows that where ever Hanner and his family came from, it is not a good place for people to live in and be successful and …show more content…

Often times people left Germany in search of a better place to live in. Most migrated to Austria-Hungary, The Russian Empire, and some migrated to America. According to “The German Migration" Millions of Germans left Germany in search of a better life (GML 114). Hanner talks about his new destination after living in Germany where very little freedom was given. In America he is given more options than where he was originally from. He obviously thought America was better than his homeland. First of all because he was free to choose any religion he wanted, he also made more money, paid fewer taxes, and enough food. He was basically starting a new life with better things than his homeland. He also given more options for example own land, however he does not yet have. However, he says that with just these things he gets in America it is by far better than his homeland Germany. Hanner says in his letter “I have told you quite fully about the trip, and I will tell you what will not surprise you-that we have a free country” (VOF 54). What Hanner is saying by this is that America is a free county and unlike Germany, America gives has more opportunities. When Hanner says “I will tell you what will not surprise you” what he means by this is when they were living in Germany with little freedom him and his family wished for a better life and

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