Rossians vs. Russians

[atacama@global.co.za]

Dear Charles,

Apparently the term Rossians (pronounced Roooshians)
did exist in America, around 1874 onwards and was a
derogate noun for - precisely ! -
"Germans from Russia" (colonists/farmers/settlers)
immigrants: Ethnic Germans from Russia rural areas.

They were considered in status (education, culture, 
behaviour) below 'real' (Reichs)Germans and 'above' ethnic
Russian peasantry.  

For example, they beat their wives more than 'Germans
from Germany" but less than 'Russians from Russia'.

All this is gleaned from old 19th c American newspaper 
articles from the Mid-West and prairies, lodged at AHSGR
(American History Society of Germans from Russia)
and from the various GR-forums on the Internet.

Vera Beljakova-Miller




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