Austrian Americans facts for kids
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 695,351 (2017) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| New York, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey | |
| Languages | |
| German (especially Austrian German), American English | |
| Religion | |
| Roman Catholic, Protestant; Jewish and other minorities | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Dutch Americans German Americans Swiss Americans German diasporas |
Austrian Americans are people in the United States whose families originally came from Austria. Most of them are German-speaking and follow the Catholic faith. Some are also of Jewish heritage.
Contents
Who Are Austrian Americans?
Austrian Americans are a group of people who have made the U.S. their home. They bring with them rich traditions from Austria. Austria is a country in Europe known for its beautiful mountains and history.
In 2017, about 695,351 people in the U.S. said they had Austrian roots. Many live in states like New York, California, and Pennsylvania. They speak American English and often keep their German language skills.
Coming to America
People from Austria have been coming to America for a long time. The first groups arrived in the 1700s. They were often looking for new opportunities. Many settled in farming areas.
A larger wave of immigrants came in the 1800s. They sought better jobs and a new life. Some came to escape difficult times in Europe. They helped build cities and farms across the U.S.
Later, in the 20th century, more Austrians arrived. Some came during and after World War II. They were seeking safety and freedom. These new arrivals added to the diverse culture of America.
Famous Austrian Americans
Many Austrian Americans have made important contributions. They have excelled in many fields.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger is a famous actor and former governor. He was born in Austria. He became a big movie star. Later, he served as the governor of California.
- Hedy Lamarr was a brilliant actress and inventor. She helped create technology. This technology is similar to what we use today for Wi-Fi.
- Wolfgang Puck is a world-renowned chef. He brought Austrian cooking styles to America. He owns many popular restaurants.
- Felix Baumgartner is an Austrian skydiver. He is known for his record-breaking freefall from space. He showed incredible courage.
These are just a few examples. Austrian Americans have contributed to science, arts, and business.
Culture and Traditions
Austrian Americans often keep their heritage alive. They do this through food, music, and festivals.
Many enjoy traditional Austrian dishes. These include Wiener Schnitzel and Apple Strudel. They also celebrate holidays with Austrian customs.
Music is also very important. Austria is famous for classical composers. Many Austrian Americans enjoy folk music and dancing. They might join cultural clubs. These clubs help them connect with their roots. They share their traditions with new generations.
