From freedom of the press to the concept of the Christmas tree, German culture has made an indelible impact on the American Zeitgeist, influencing popular culture in all aspects of daily life. THE GERMAN AMERICANS reveals the unheralded history of the largest ethnic group in the United States - one in five Americans are of German ancestry - using archival film, photos, modern footage, and personal recollections from actor Eric Braeden ("The Young and The Restless"), Susan Eisenhower (granddaughter of President Dwight D. Eisenhower), Cincinnati Pops Orchestra conductor Erich Kunzel, corporate leaders, educators, scientists, and other prominent members of the community.
Families who left the Heimatland in search of opportunity set the stage for America's early economic growth as stewards of the land, unyielding laborers, and leaders in almost every major industry. THE GERMAN AMERICANS explores the German-American experience and celebrates the cultural ties that still bond generations after four hundred years in the United States in a program as richly layered as a Schumann or Beethoven composition and as uplifting as the folk music still sung by traditional liederkranz societies.
THE GERMAN AMERICANS also highlights German Americans who embodied the spirit of the German work ethic and philosophy and became true American icons, from President Eisenhower to Babe Ruth to Lawrence Welk to Charles Schulz.
Above photo courtesy of The International Oktoberfest at the Newport Yachting Center, Newport, RI
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Executive Producer: Roy Hammond;
Producers: Roman Brygider and Gia Amella