They braved the rough voyage across the ocean to attain the American dream, but the ancestors of America's rich and diverse social landscape first struggled to make a life in their new homeland. Through the immigrants' own words and contemporary photographs and illustrations, these inspiring volumes not only tell the story of each immigrant group, but also provide insight on what it means to be an American today. Although Germans were once welcome in America for their work ethic and strong moral character, Germany's role in both World Wars challenged their status. Forced to abandon their heritage in the early 1900s, this book proves that German Americans have much to be proud of.