A Remarkable Group of Immigrants
When the revolutionary clouds gathered over Europe in the spring of 1848, the dream of freedom and national unity soon spread across Germany. In many German states, people were standing up against the old system of oppression and bondage. Although the public uprising ultimately failed, the achievements of these courageous fighters for democracy are still worth remembering today.
The events of the time forced many of the era's most remarkable figures into emigration. Today, the members of this immigrant group are commonly known as the "Forty-Eighters." While there is no unanimity as to their number - estimates range from a few hundred to 10,000 - these former revolutionaries undoubtedly had a large impact on politics, arts, and education in America. Particularly in the Midwest, the preferred region of German immigration in the mid-1800s, their impact was felt.
Click image to see the birthplaces of Forty-Eighters portrayed on this website
The north German duchies of Schleswig and Holstein were among the centers of revolutionary activities in Germany. Before, during, and after their uprising against Danish rule, many inhabitants of this region were forced to leave their homeland. Interestingly, the majority of north German emigrants settled in Davenport, Iowa.
This website aims at providing a concise overview about the Schleswig-Holstein Forty-Eighters that settled in Davenport. The pages inform about their historical background and the reasons for their emigration. They also describe their pronounced impact on life in Davenport and their heartfelt devotion to social issues.. Since many Forty-Eighters became journalists in America, a seperate component will look at the eminent German-language newspaper in Davenport. Podcasts with experts on the subject offer further insight to the topic.
Finally, I would like to thank Scott Christiansen, whom I profiled here, and Prof. Joachim Reppmann for supporting me with this project. Please visit moin-moin.us to learn more about the legacy of German Forty-Eighters in America.