IN DEFENSE OF SLAVERY: DILEMMA OF A GERMAN-AMERICAN CONFEDERATE IN ANTEBELLUM TEXAS

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Kristin O'Lear (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: This thesis challenges previous historians" characterizations of Ferdinand Lindheimer as simply the "Father of Texas Botany" and defender of freedom. Instead, Lindheimer acted out of his own self-interest to preserve his German-American ethnic identity, and by extension the community he helped to build. Only when Anglo-American political and social issues endangered his community in the 1850s, did Lindheimer actively engage in the Anglo-American political sphere. Lindheimer expressed minimal concern for those oppressed by the dominant culture. Lindheimer used his publication, the Neu-Braunfelser Zeitung, as a shield to protect himself and New Braunfels, the physical manifestation of this ethnic identity, from Anglo-American intrusion. In so doing, Lindheimer became the most visible German-American supporter of slavery, secession and the Confederacy in antebellum Texas.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2020

Keywords

Ferdinand Lindheimer, German-American, Texas, Adelsverein, Neu-Braunfelser Zeitung, slavery

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