Century-Old War Leaves Lasting Impact On St. Louis German Identity
World War I collared the spread of German culture and language across the globe. Though far from the front lines, St. Louis’s vibrant German community was no exception.
A hundred years ago, the growth of the city had largely been driven by thousands of Germanic immigrants who built and controlled large swaths of government, industry, education, and religion. The Great War tested and ultimately transformed that influence in many ways that linger today.
As war broke out among Eastern and European powers in August of 1914, St. Louis’ German population had many vested interests in the conflict: local German-language papers reported news from the front lines; members of the Busch family bought German war bonds; from Turnvereins to City Hall to a vast network of religious institutions, German was a common tongue and identity.
“Up until World War I, everything was done in German around here,” said Dennis Rathert, archivist and historian for Trinity Lutheran Church in Soulard, which today is the last church in St. Louis to hold regular services in German – the fourth Sunday of each month.
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