Hopeful Journeys: German Immigration, Settlement, and Political Culture in Colonial America, 1717-1775 (Early American Studies)

Rating:
Summary: A scholarly analysis of German immigration during the 1700's
Review: Aaron Fogleman presents new research to help in understanding some characteristics of the German migration to the new world during the 1700's. His language is somewhat stilted, or others might describe it as scholarly, somewhat like a graduate school thesis. But there is lots of good information between it's covers. One of the most interesting themes in the book is tracking the immigrants from one particular region located between Heidelberg and Heilbronn, along the Neckar River. This detailed information helps one to see exactly what was involved in the decision to go to the New World, in the trip getting there, and in beginning a new life in Pennsylvania. The author also treats the German political scene in colonial Pennsylvania.

The book is heavily foot-noted, with an extensive bibliography and index. A good source book for further studies of the Pennsylvania Dutch culture.