what was happening in the late 1800s in Germany? why German immigrants went to America?

Answer 1

http://www.germany.travel/en/ms/german-originality/heritage/timeline/timeline.html

Answer 2

Two of my great-grandfathers went from different parts of Germany to New York around 1850. One left because his father thought there was no future for him in Württemburg (one of the German kingdoms at the time). The other was working on cargo ships out of Bremen, and after several trips, he just didn't get back on the ship back to Germany!

http://www.auswanderer-bw.de/sixcms/detail.php?template=a_artikel&id=6615&sprache=en

Answer 3

One of my ancestors came from Germany to New Orleans around or just before 1850. He was escaping the draft for forced military service.

Answer 4

Exactly, Ms. Sue. That's what my gr-grandfather from Württemberg was doing, too!