The largest European ethnic group to settle in Texas was formed by persons of German descent. By 1850, German immigrants made up about 5% of the population of Texas. Settlement increased after the Civil War, especially in West Texas. Early immigrants were an extremely diverse group made up of peasants, intellectuals, Protestants, Catholics, and Jews. Most came seeking cheap farmland. German culture in Texas is widespread in the Hill Country. Polka dance houses, German breweries, gothic architecture, German language schools and newspapers, and Wurstfest (A “Salute to Sausage” celebration in New Braunfels, Texas, that lasts 10 days) are all examples of the German culture in Texas.
The German immigrants came to Texas because Johann Friedrich Ernst convinced many other Germans to come because of its resources and climate. The Germans struggled in the civil war because they chose the side of the Union, which was very unpopular in the area. They also were chastised during the world wars because the enemies in those world wars were German.
Explanation:
Johann Friedrich Ernst wrote letters to other Germans to come to Texas describing a winterless climate, bountiful resources, and large amounts of land. In the American Civil War, they chose the side of the Union due to slavery not being in Germany. They also had a hard time during the world wars because of their ethnicity.
