Abstract

Historically, much of nineteenth and early twentieth century American sport was 'ethnic based'. Theoretical thoughts on ethnicity and assimilation will be introduced, along with a brief overview of the limited research on ethnic sports of the European-American population. This article addresses the German-American sporting experience. Due to its success during its first decades of existence, the Turner movement receives detailed attention before the focus shifts to the Buffalo Germans, a well-known basketball team in the early 1900s. The turners exemplify the multiple ways physical culture or sport aided in the socialization and assimilation processes of German immigrants, while still allowing them to retain their ethnic identity. Verf.-Referat