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Germany has influenced the United States in many different ways. Germans have contributed countless ideas to the U.S. education system. Without them, the education system would be almost unrecognizable. American holidays, Easter and Christmas, were also heavily influenced by German ideas.

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I learned how Germany influenced the United States. The U.S has adopted many cultures and ideas from Germany. For example, Christmas is based off Saint Nicholas Day, from Santa's appearance to his gift giving. The holiday of Easter was also influenced by Germany. As well as a majority of the U.S. education system. Germany has also contributed many foods and words.

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St. Nicholas Day is much like Christmas. It Celebrates the "Feast day of Saint Nicholas". Children receive gift's under their pillow with a humorous rhyme if they've been good and twigs or coal if they've been bad. Particularly in German speaking countries, children put a boot outside in which St. Nicholas fills with gifts and sweets.

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The President was elected by the Federal Election, which consists of the members of Bundestag and selected electors.

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Joachim Gauck is the current President of Germany, since 19 March 2017.

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Neuschwanstein Castle is the ideal look when thinking of a castle. It was the inspiration for the Disney Castle. The castle was created by King Ludwig II, who lived in it for only 170 days before dying.

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The currency of Germany is a Euro. 1 Euro is equivalent to 1.08 U.S. dollars.

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Germans have many rites of passage, including Baptism, first communion, confirmation, etc. Baptism, is a religious act where a person has water sprinkled on there head or they are immersed in order to be "purified".

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How was your day?

Wie war dein Tag?

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German Apple Cake is a well known German dessert.

2 eggs, 1 C. of vegetable oil, 2 C. white sugar, 2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 2 C. all purpose flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 4 C. apples - peeled, cored, diced.

Preheat oven, 350 degrees F,
grease and flour 9x13 inch cake pan
beat oil and eggs in mixing bowl, add sugar/ vanilla
combine flour slat, baking soda, ground cinnamon, mix into egg mixture
fold in apples and spread batter into pan
bake for 45 minutes in preheated oven

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The push factor for my family was war in the Netherlands and Germany. My family came to the U.S. was to start a new life and be safe from war.

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My first Relative in the United States was Lubbert Van Westervelt, who came during the first wave of immigration. He on was my Mom's side

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My Heritage is German