"Navigating Discrimination: Max Kniesche, Schroeder's, and German Immigrants in San Francisco, 1848-1930" Restricted; Files Only
Kim, Jeong Hyun (Lilias) (Spring 2023)
Published
Abstract
This thesis examines the experiences of German and Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese, in San Francisco during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It argues that although both groups faced significant discrimination, anti-Asian sentiments overshadowed anti-German hysteria during World War I. German restaurateurs, such as Kniesche, were able to benefit from the comparatively more restrictive laws against Asians, while subtly downplaying their German identities during the war. This allowed them to maintain their properties and return to promoting their German heritage through authentic cuisine post-war. To understand Kniesche's story, the historical and geographic context of San Francisco must be considered. During the California Gold Rush, Chinese laborers arrived in the United States, seeking better opportunities. White workers, including Germans, viewed them as economic competition, leading to the institutionalization of discrimination through laws such as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and the 1892 Geary Act. The racial dynamics in San Francisco were unique due to its Gold Rush history and the relatively small African American population. Chinese migrants experienced marginalization similar to freed slaves in the Old South, but with fewer legal protections. This led to widespread anti-Asian sentiment throughout the latter half of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, which in turn helped to lessen the impact of anti-German sentiment during World War I. By focusing on the period between 1848 and 1930, this thesis explores the evolution of ethnic composition in San Francisco and how it shaped the experiences of German immigrants like Kniesche. It highlights how Germans navigated their environment by expanding their networks and occupations, eventually gaining acceptance from white neighbors and integrating into the social fabric of the city.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction…………………………………..………………………………......... 1
Chapter 2: The Growth of Nativism and Anti-Asian Sentiments …………..………... .13
Chapter 3: San Francisco vs. New York 1914-1918: …………………………....………… 36
Chapter 4: The Success of Kniesche’s Restaurant, Schroeder’s ………………………… 45
Conclusion: ………………………. …………………………………………………..........…….52
About this Honors Thesis
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File download under embargo until 19 May 2025 | 2023-04-27 18:13:03 -0400 | File download under embargo until 19 May 2025 |
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