I just learned that a lot of german words are used in the english language of the US (such as kindergarten, schadenfreude). That woke my interest and I started googling.
I found out that german is the third-most spoken language in 16 states and that most americans (around 50 million) are descendants of germans. How did that happen? When did so many germans immigrate to the US and why?
I also learned about a myth that says that in 1795 there was vote to make german the official language of the US. Apparently that is just a myth but is there any truth behind this? Was german even more spoken back then?
EDIT: 50 millions are not most americans but that makes them the biggest ancestry group (in the 2000 census).
A blend of economic opportunity, and for many, religious freedom. Although I want to point out one little thing. "German" as a nationality did not exist until later in the 19th century, so many immigrants would be from small nation-states of the HRE or Prussia, especially in the 18th century. Many emigrated from the Palatinate to Pennsylvania because of its religious tolerance, that's where you get the "Pennsylvania Dutch" from. They usually belonged to the Moravian or Mennonite churches, which got along fine with the Quakers in Pennsylvania. There are actually quite a few reports in the 1720s-40s sent into the Provincial Council talking about all of the "Dutch" coming in droves. They were actually a little worried that they'd be surrounded by the German-speaking peoples. Later reports talked about how they admired their industriousness and relations were a lot more benevolent.
Migration of the "Dutch" to the Americas slowed down by the mid-18th century, by the beginning of the French and Indian/Seven Years War. Though they were still pretty mobile and followed the English and Ulster Scots down the Great Wagon Road into the Carolinas. Old Salem in NC was founded by Moravians. After the AWI, Hessians also settled in.
We have the 1790 census, but I'm careful about using that data as an absolute truth because it leaves out over 80s years of migration and ethnic blending. A lot of scholars estimate that at least a third of the population in mid-18th century America was German, especially in areas like Pennsylvania. Penn seemed to be split in rough thirds with English, Scots-Irish, and Germans, with other groups taking up whatever was left of the pie.
Sources: Sally Schwartz, "A Mixed Multitude": The Struggle for Toleration in Colonial Pennsylvania. Minutes of the Provincial Council of Pennsylvania Vols. 3-5.
Germans moved to America for many reasons. Most immigration occurred in the 1800's. When America was just 13 states and every citizen had a European identity, Germans made up 8% of the population. Now fast forward to now, Germans make up about 15% of the population (most from the 1800s). So what caused German immigration in the 1800s? Three main points contributed to this.
First, religion. Germany was the heart of the reformation. Depending on your location, district/small country (not unified Germany), you where persecuted for being Catholic or Protestant. So people immigrated to the Religiously free America.
Secondly, the draft. After Napoleon conquered Germany , Prussia(Germany) drafted its citizens to assert military might. They won wars against France, Austia, and Denmark. So people moved to America to avoid the draft.
Lastly, land. America had railways leading to un-urbanized land. This gave Germans an opportunity for jobs in farming or construction, a way to escape their failing economy. (Thanks Napoleon)