Becoming American:
The German and Irish Experience in St. Louis
Student Directions

In this activity you will simulate the experience of a German or Irish immigrant who has arrived in St. Louis in the 1850's. You have limited resources, however you want to take full advantage of the promise of American citizenship. You will start your search for new opportunity at the riverfront, next to the steamboat that brought you to town. Explore the city to answer the following questions.

1. What organizations or institutions can help you in this new city? Where are they ? What help can they provide?

 

 

2. What types of jobs do people from your country perform? What type of work can you obtain?

 

 

3. Where do people from your country live? Where will you live and what will the conditions be like in that place?

 

 

4. What challenges or threats do you face? How will you protect yourself from those threats?

 

 

5. What will you have to do to be fully accepted as an American citizen? Why?