Anti-German Sentiment

Definition

This refers to the negative feelings, prejudice, or hostility towards Germany and its culture, particularly during and after World Wars I and II.

Analogy

Think of anti-German sentiment like a school rivalry. Just as students from one school might develop negative feelings toward another school because of sports competitions or past conflicts, Americans developed negative feelings toward Germans due to the world wars.

Related terms

World War I: A global conflict that took place primarily in Europe from 1914-1918. The U.S. entered the war in 1917 on the side of the Allies (including Britain and France) against the Central Powers (including Germany).

Propaganda: Information, especially biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. During WWI and WWII, propaganda was used extensively to fuel anti-German sentiment.

Xenophobia: Dislike or prejudice against people from other countries. Anti-German sentiment is an example of xenophobia.