Banning German in Public Schools
Order Number 3 of the Montana Council of Defense stated that the German language would not be permitted in any Montana schools or churches and banned specific books. Some Germans thought that the new laws represented an attack on their culture and religion. According to documents, the school board for Baker Public Schools indicated that they were not inclined to follow the order at first until they had a telegram from the state Council of Defense. Once received, the school had to abide by the order.
A pastor from Plevna named J.E. Schatz also protested Order Number 3 by writing a letter to Governor Stewart asking for an exception to allow his sermons in German since most of his congregation only spoke German. His request was denied. Germans from Fallon County felt they shouldn’t be punished for what Germans overseas were doing.
A pastor from Plevna named J.E. Schatz also protested Order Number 3 by writing a letter to Governor Stewart asking for an exception to allow his sermons in German since most of his congregation only spoke German. His request was denied. Germans from Fallon County felt they shouldn’t be punished for what Germans overseas were doing.
Credits: Avery Uecker and Bryce Hufford
Citations: “Patriots Gone Berserk: The Montana Council of Defense 1917-1918.” Montana Magazine, digital ed., Sept. 2001, p. 78-85. Document Resume. Arnold H. Leibowitz, files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED047321.pdf. Montana Newspaper. montananewspapers.org. Accessed 17 May 2018. |