To Aid the Fatherland. German-Americans, Transatlantic Relief Work and American Neutrality, 1914–17. Issue 3 (2nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piller, Elisabeth Marie
• Is Part Of: Immigrants & minorities. Volume 35:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 215
• Publication Date: 2017-09-02
• Subjects: First World War -- American neutrality -- German-Americans -- German Propaganda -- humanitarianism -- divided loyalties; Emigration and immigration -- Periodicals; Minorities -- Periodicals; 325.05
• DOI: 10.1080/02619288.2017.1383691
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-9288

Abstract

Abstract: This article explores German-American war relief for Germany during First World War, concentrating on the period of American neutrality, 1914–17. Based on financial ledgers, meeting protocols and the publications of ethnic organisations, it shows how German-American charity served as a force of mobilisation on behalf of the old fatherland after August 1914 even as American public sentiments turned increasingly hostile towards Germany. The article nuances common notions of American humanitarianism during the period of neutrality and broadens our understanding of how German-Americans (and by extension, ethnic groups more generally) tried to balance political loyalty to their 'hostland' with emotional attachment to their 'homeland'.