Cover image for Nation builders and enemy aliens : four centuries of German experience in Canada / Gerhard P. Bassler.
Nation builders and enemy aliens : four centuries of German experience in Canada / Gerhard P. Bassler.
TITLE:
Nation builders and enemy aliens : four centuries of German experience in Canada / Gerhard P. Bassler.
Publication Date:
2021
Publication Information:
Altona, Man. : FriesenPress,
Physical Description:
xi, 281 p. : col. ill.
Bibliography Note:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-270) and index.
Summary:
Today German Canadians are among Canada's most assimilated citizens, often distinguishable from other Canadians by their name only. For centuries their pioneer farmers, economic developers, industrialists, professionals, musicians, artists, missionaries, fishermen, boat builders, and soldiers have acquired an acknowledged reputation as nation builders in Canada. Not too long ago, however, they were also associated with Canada's enemy in two world wars, discriminated against, and subjected to infringements of their citizenship rights. Virtually overnight, Canadians of German-speaking background were recast into disloyal enemy aliens. Anti-German sentiments and stigmas, unknown in Canada before World War I, became firmly entrenched and have obliterated their legacy as nation builders. This book documents and illustrates how German Canadians have experienced Canada and how Canada has experienced German Canadians over the course of four centuries. It shows what influence Canada's relations with Germany had on this development. This is the first comprehensive synopsis of the German experience in Canada.
Language:
English
ISBN:
9781525590337
General Note:
Reference to NL and Labrador, chapter 1.