German flag with eagle and American flag

Missouri’s German Americans During World War I - Petra DeWitt

How do you prove that you are a true American? Especially if you’re of German descent and your country is engaged in a desperate struggle with your ancestors’ homeland?

Historian Petra DeWitt explores the dilemma of German Americans who, at the time of World War I, made up one of the largest and most prosperous ethnic groups in Missouri. But with America’s involvement in the war, the loyalty of those citizens often was called into question and they endured government attacks on their culture and history – including an effort to ban the German language in Missouri.

DeWitt teaches history at the Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.

Watch at c-span.org

Listen
Upcoming in this series:
27
Jul
Men of No Reputation: Robert Boatright, the Buckfo...
Central Library |
2:00pm
Watch or Listen to Past Events in this Series:
2
Dec
Louis Curtiss: Kansas City Architect - Keith Eggen...
Central Library |
2:00pm
11
Nov
Kansas City and How It Grew: 1822-2011
Central Library |
2:00pm
20
Jan
Robert Farnsworth
Central Library |
2:00pm
16
Jan
On Slavery's Border
Central Library |
2:00pm
German flag with eagle and American flag

Missouri’s German Americans During World War I - Petra DeWitt

Date & Location
-
In Person
Details
Adults