[justa-hairyape]

Think how great this country would be if we had excluded the Germans, Irish, English, etc.?

As of the late 1700's according to the first census taken, the most prevalent ethnicities in this country were in descending order (German, Scottish, English). When we first voted on establishing a national language, Germanic almost won. So you could not have excluded the Germans even if you tried. Apparently the best we could do back then was deny them their language !

[doc1019]

Great point.

[Irene Adler]

"When we first voted on establishing a national language, Germanic almost won."

I have never, ever heard of any such vote ever being held in this country at any time in its history. There is also no language called "Germanic" that I am familiar with. Please fill me in.

[Jedi Master Pikachu]

Also, it should be considered that Germany wasn't unified at that time. While they did have a common (enough) language and culture, they also had separate identities.

Plus, Germany doesn't border the United States (though Germania bordered the Roman Empire....).