Experiences of Germans in the U.S. During WWII: A Rare Glimpse into Cultural Integration

From 1916 onwards, the Wilson government suppressed German culture wherever it was thriving in the USA, notably the German-language press, newspapers, and books. This period saw a significant crackdown on German cultural expressions, reflecting the heightened tensions and anti-German sentiment brought about by the First World War. Significant changes like altering names to sound less Germanic, were common.

For example, Karl was changed to Carl, Sturm became White, and Eberhart became Zaccone. This period was marked by paranoia and fear. It's crucial to understand that the United States did not attack Germany in either war; the opposite was the case, which often gets overlooked in historical narratives.

WWII Compared to WWI

Unlike during World War I, where German-Americans faced far more oppression and less integration, World War II was considerably easier on them. The number of German-Americans was smaller, and they were more integrated into American society. Notable figures like Babe Ruth also faced name changes during World War I, but by 1941, such anti-German sentiment had largely dissipated. A touching tribute to a German-American is shared below, a piece of serendipity that moved beyond mere historical references.

A Personal Encountering

Long after leaving the corporation where he was a top executive, I moved into a house next door to his son’s family. The daughter-in-law sent this personal testimony, a touching reminder of the contributions of German-Americans to the nation:

"Germans like that made you proud that they were fellow Americans."

This statement highlights the pride and patriotism felt towards German-Americans during and after the war years.

Comparative Treatment of Ethnic Groups

Some ethnic groups fared better than others during World War II. While Germans in Southern California faced scandalous treatment, Italians and their descendants fared better, as both New York City and San Francisco had Italian-American mayors during wartime.

Notable American commanders, such as Dwight D. Eisenhower (originally von Nimitz), Graves (originally von Grafft), Wedemeyer, Spaatz, and Krueger, all used names with German origins. While not all troops were of German descent, a significant number (around 20-25%) had German ancestry, aiding in the effectiveness of the American forces, especially in areas where German language fluency was advantageous.

There was a prevalent joke that “our Germans” beat “their Germans,” highlighting the unique situation where people of German descent were both fighting against and within the U.S. military. Interestingly, even those with German ancestry were restricted from calling Germans “Krauts,” a term often used by veterans but deemed inappropriate.

Personal Perspective

I had a first-generation German great-uncle who often said, “Put a band behind a bunch of Germans in a crowd, and they think they are the greatest soldiers in the world.” This statement reflects the strained relationship many Germans experienced when returning to the United States after their military service. They left Germany due to the oppressive conditions and unrest, and to many, life in America represented a chance for a better future.

During World War I, some of my family members experienced minor harassment, but none of this happened during World War II, demonstrating the significant shift in American attitudes towards German-Americans over time.