In this paper, I will compare the motives as well as differences and similarities of American expatriation to European cities in two different time periods. For this, the research will look at the emigrant generation of the 1920s post-war Parisian literary community and, in a second step, this community of writers will be compared to today’s American expatriates in Berlin. The research aims at illustrating how those two periods have influenced the emigrants’ decision of leaving the country and what social circumstances of the respective time period in European centers have shaped the generation’s lifestyle.
The United States of America, once a country conquered, and then a nation founded, by various European nationalities, is the starting point of this paper. The century-long waves of immigration into this country give the historical justification of the U.S. as an immigrant nation. From this point of view, the movements of emigration away from this country over the last decades show a counterstream back to Europe. In this process of migration a tendency of being attracted to European urban centers characterizes American emigration.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I INTRODUCTION
- I a) Intention of Research
- I b) Clarification of the Terms Expatriate, Sojourner, and Immigrant
- I c) American Emigration to Europe
- II AMERICAN IMMIGRATION TO EUROPE IN THE 1920S
- II a) Motives for Departure
- II b) Immigrant Communities
- II c) Integration into the French Community
- II c i) Learning the French Language
- III AMERICAN EXPATRIATES IN BERLIN TODAY
- III a) Methodology
- III b) Presentation of the Interviewees
- III c) Motives for Departure
- III d) Immigrant Communities
- III d i) Work-Related International Communities
- IV WHAT COMES AFTER EXPATRIATION
- IV a) Stay in Europe or Return to the US
- IV b) Perspectives of the 1920s Expatriates
- IV c) Today's Berlin Expatriates' Projects
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper compares and contrasts the motivations and experiences of American expatriates in Europe during two distinct periods: the 1920s and the present day (2014). By examining the Lost Generation in Paris and contemporary American expatriates in Berlin, the study aims to highlight the factors influencing emigration decisions and the impact of socio-cultural contexts on the lives of these individuals. The research utilizes both primary sources (autobiographies and interviews) and secondary sources to achieve this goal.
- Motivations for American emigration to Europe in the 1920s and today.
- Comparison of the experiences and integration processes of American expatriates in Paris (1920s) and Berlin (2014).
- The role of socio-cultural contexts in shaping the lives of American expatriates.
- The long-term plans and perspectives of American expatriates regarding their future in Europe or return to the US.
- A comparative analysis of the "Lost Generation" and modern American expatriates.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I INTRODUCTION: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the research by establishing the historical context of American immigration and emigration. It clarifies the key terms "expatriate," "sojourner," and "immigrant," highlighting their nuances and relevance to the study. The chapter outlines the research objectives, focusing on a comparative analysis of American expatriates in Paris during the 1920s and in Berlin in 2014. It also introduces the methodology, relying on primary sources like autobiographies and interviews, and secondary academic sources to support the comparative analysis.
II AMERICAN IMMIGRATION TO EUROPE IN THE 1920S: This chapter delves into the American immigration to Europe in the 1920s, specifically focusing on the Lost Generation. It explores the multifaceted motivations behind this emigration wave, ranging from post-World War I disillusionment and a desire for intellectual stimulation in European cities to economic factors and the pursuit of a different lifestyle. The chapter also analyzes how these expatriates integrated into Parisian society, describing their social circles, professional lives, and cultural immersion in the literary community of the time, using examples from the experiences of writers such as Hemingway and Cowley.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
American expatriates, Lost Generation, immigration, emigration, Paris, Berlin, 1920s, contemporary migration, cultural integration, motivations for emigration, comparative analysis, qualitative research, interviews, autobiographies.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Study of American Expatriates in Europe
What is the focus of this research paper?
This research paper conducts a comparative analysis of American expatriates in Europe during two distinct periods: the 1920s and the present day (2014). It examines the experiences of the "Lost Generation" in Paris and contemporary American expatriates in Berlin, focusing on their motivations for emigration, integration processes, and long-term perspectives.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores the motivations behind American emigration to Europe in both the 1920s and the present day; compares the experiences and integration processes of American expatriates in Paris (1920s) and Berlin (2014); analyzes the role of socio-cultural contexts in shaping the lives of American expatriates; examines the long-term plans and perspectives of American expatriates regarding their future in Europe or return to the US; and provides a comparative analysis of the "Lost Generation" and modern American expatriates.
What methodologies were used in this research?
The research utilizes both primary sources (autobiographies and interviews) and secondary sources (academic literature) to achieve a comprehensive comparative analysis. The study employs qualitative research methods.
What time periods are compared in this study?
The study compares the experiences of American expatriates in Europe during the 1920s (focusing on the "Lost Generation" in Paris) and in 2014 (focusing on American expatriates in Berlin).
What are the key differences between the two groups of expatriates studied?
While a detailed comparison is presented in the full study, the research explores differences in motivations (e.g., post-war disillusionment vs. contemporary career opportunities), integration processes (e.g., immersion in Parisian literary circles vs. integration into international work communities in Berlin), and long-term plans.
What are the main motivations for American emigration to Europe in the 1920s and today?
The study explores diverse motivations. In the 1920s, factors included post-World War I disillusionment, intellectual stimulation, economic factors, and lifestyle changes. Contemporary motivations might include career opportunities, cultural experiences, and personal growth.
What is the significance of the "Lost Generation"?
The "Lost Generation" refers to a group of American writers and artists who lived in Europe, particularly Paris, after World War I. This study uses their experiences as a key case study to understand expatriate life in the 1920s.
What sources of information are used in this research?
The study utilizes primary sources such as autobiographies and interviews of contemporary American expatriates in Berlin. Secondary sources include academic literature on immigration, expatriation, and the cultural contexts of both periods.
What are the key terms defined in the study?
The study clarifies the distinctions between "expatriate," "sojourner," and "immigrant," highlighting their nuances and relevance to the research.
What are the chapter summaries?
The study includes detailed summaries for each chapter, outlining its key contributions to the overall analysis. Chapter I introduces the research objectives and methodology. Chapter II focuses on American immigration to Europe in the 1920s. Chapter III analyzes contemporary American expatriates in Berlin. Chapter IV discusses the long-term outcomes of expatriation (return to the US or continued stay in Europe).
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: American expatriates, Lost Generation, immigration, emigration, Paris, Berlin, 1920s, contemporary migration, cultural integration, motivations for emigration, comparative analysis, qualitative research, interviews, autobiographies.
- Quote paper
- Laura Götz (Author), 2015, America Goes Abroad. American Emigration to the European Metropolis in the 1920s and Today, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368974