Scandinavians in Wisconsin History
What most people do not know is that most
of the things we do today are from Scandinavian Culture. Things like the
Christmas tree and pancakes are all Scandinavian customs that they brought over
in the 1800’s. Scandinavians introduced so many new and different things that
have become important to us and coming to Wisconsin for more land and a better
life was very important to them.
Cultural
Practices
Scandinavia is located in Northern
Europe on a peninsula. The main languages spoken there are Danish, Swedish,
Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese. Scandinavia extends to the north of the
Arctic Circle so the weather there is mild for most of the year. Most of
Scandinavia’s population has deep roots going back thousands of years to
several original tribes. Yet some wanted to start a new life in the new found
world. The first Scandinavian immigrants came here for new settlements but
after the American Revolution Scandinavians moved to America simply for farm
land since there wasn’t enough in their home countries. Also in the 1830’s due
to poor harvest many Scandinavians moved to Illinois and Wisconsin. Some
customs that they brought with them were the Christmas tree, foods like Swedish
meatballs and pancakes or crepes, toasts for others at a meal or party, and so
much more!
Climate
Change
The weather in Wisconsin is generally mild
throughout the year. The same as Scandinavia except in Scandinavia there wasn’t
as much room for growing crops and making a living so they moved to Wisconsin
for more land .The winters here are generally mild compared to those of
Scandinavia where temperatures drop to – 40’ so they moved to lengthen the
growing season also. Scandinavians came here for land to grow crops and a good
growing season so if the climate got colder in Wisconsin it would affect the
crops and the growing season which is very important to the Scandinavian people.
Yet if it rose it would rain in the winter instead of snow helping the crops and
the growing season in Wisconsin a little, but there is a good chance it could
rain excessively causing flooding and killing crops. A rise in the temperature
could also mean severe droughts in some areas in Wisconsin affecting the animals
and the crops which are very important to the Scandinavian people in Wisconsin
and those who still live in Scandinavia.
In conclusion, Scandinavians have made a
positive impact on Wisconsin and though some climate changes may result in
negative ways they still have brought so much with them over to the United
States that without them today our history would have been changed
significantly. Without Scandinavians Wisconsin wouldn’t have been the same
today.
of the things we do today are from Scandinavian Culture. Things like the
Christmas tree and pancakes are all Scandinavian customs that they brought over
in the 1800’s. Scandinavians introduced so many new and different things that
have become important to us and coming to Wisconsin for more land and a better
life was very important to them.
Cultural
Practices
Scandinavia is located in Northern
Europe on a peninsula. The main languages spoken there are Danish, Swedish,
Norwegian, Icelandic, and Faroese. Scandinavia extends to the north of the
Arctic Circle so the weather there is mild for most of the year. Most of
Scandinavia’s population has deep roots going back thousands of years to
several original tribes. Yet some wanted to start a new life in the new found
world. The first Scandinavian immigrants came here for new settlements but
after the American Revolution Scandinavians moved to America simply for farm
land since there wasn’t enough in their home countries. Also in the 1830’s due
to poor harvest many Scandinavians moved to Illinois and Wisconsin. Some
customs that they brought with them were the Christmas tree, foods like Swedish
meatballs and pancakes or crepes, toasts for others at a meal or party, and so
much more!
Climate
Change
The weather in Wisconsin is generally mild
throughout the year. The same as Scandinavia except in Scandinavia there wasn’t
as much room for growing crops and making a living so they moved to Wisconsin
for more land .The winters here are generally mild compared to those of
Scandinavia where temperatures drop to – 40’ so they moved to lengthen the
growing season also. Scandinavians came here for land to grow crops and a good
growing season so if the climate got colder in Wisconsin it would affect the
crops and the growing season which is very important to the Scandinavian people.
Yet if it rose it would rain in the winter instead of snow helping the crops and
the growing season in Wisconsin a little, but there is a good chance it could
rain excessively causing flooding and killing crops. A rise in the temperature
could also mean severe droughts in some areas in Wisconsin affecting the animals
and the crops which are very important to the Scandinavian people in Wisconsin
and those who still live in Scandinavia.
In conclusion, Scandinavians have made a
positive impact on Wisconsin and though some climate changes may result in
negative ways they still have brought so much with them over to the United
States that without them today our history would have been changed
significantly. Without Scandinavians Wisconsin wouldn’t have been the same
today.
Jadee Goetz is an 8th Grade student at iForward school of Wisconsin