History
Event Title
Blazing Skies to German Ties: An Analysis of Ethnic Enclaves in Milwaukee, 1860-1900
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
History & Classics
Start Date
13-4-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
13-4-2018 10:15 AM
Sponsor
Vivian Deno (Butler University)
Description
Heartbreaking, community-wrenching disasters throughout time and across space have dramatically altered the landscape of cities. In the case of Milwaukee, the fate of twin disasters from both land and sea diminished the power and prominence of the Irish community and handed these advantages to the rising German population of the city instead. The sinking of the PS Lady Elgin passenger ship in 1860 and the Third Ward Fire of 1892 devastated the Irish, pushing them away from the waterfront of Lake Michigan and into underdeveloped niches throughout the city. Blazing Skies to German Ties argues that these disasters and subsequent movement of the Irish presented the Germans with the opportunity for commercial and cultural development in the bourgeoning city, permitting them to create the ‘German city’ that Wisconsinites know and love. This argument is accomplished through a case-study analysis of the composition and evolution of ethnic enclaves within the city between 1860 and 1900.
Americans are deeply attached to their cultural and ethnic identities. Manifestations and expressions of these identities present themselves daily in our nation, regions, and hometown communities. To fully understand our sense of cultural identity today, we must look back within our history. Blazing Skies to German Ties helps us understand our sense of identity not only for the city of Milwaukee and state of Wisconsin, but for the Midwest as a region, by analyzing these two ethnic groups and their lasting influence and lack thereof.
Blazing Skies to German Ties: An Analysis of Ethnic Enclaves in Milwaukee, 1860-1900
Indianapolis, IN
Heartbreaking, community-wrenching disasters throughout time and across space have dramatically altered the landscape of cities. In the case of Milwaukee, the fate of twin disasters from both land and sea diminished the power and prominence of the Irish community and handed these advantages to the rising German population of the city instead. The sinking of the PS Lady Elgin passenger ship in 1860 and the Third Ward Fire of 1892 devastated the Irish, pushing them away from the waterfront of Lake Michigan and into underdeveloped niches throughout the city. Blazing Skies to German Ties argues that these disasters and subsequent movement of the Irish presented the Germans with the opportunity for commercial and cultural development in the bourgeoning city, permitting them to create the ‘German city’ that Wisconsinites know and love. This argument is accomplished through a case-study analysis of the composition and evolution of ethnic enclaves within the city between 1860 and 1900.
Americans are deeply attached to their cultural and ethnic identities. Manifestations and expressions of these identities present themselves daily in our nation, regions, and hometown communities. To fully understand our sense of cultural identity today, we must look back within our history. Blazing Skies to German Ties helps us understand our sense of identity not only for the city of Milwaukee and state of Wisconsin, but for the Midwest as a region, by analyzing these two ethnic groups and their lasting influence and lack thereof.