German/Russian Genealogy

Very few cultures in the world are to be considered pure today. This is a direct result of extensive communication possibilities, technological advances and a willingness to learn about different cultures, all of which are huge in society at the moment. Germany is no different. Although many people associate German culture with America more than any other country (aside from Germany of course) you might want to look closer to the borders. Of all the countries that are located close to Germany, the one with perhaps the most interwoven history is Russia and this is why German/Russian genealogy is visible for all to see!

German/Russian genealogy appeared as a direct result of migration across the borders. Although some Russians crossed into Germany, the vast majority that actually began the German/Russian genealogy crossed into Russia instead. There were actually several waves of migration over an extended period of time but they all came together to give a population of 1 million Germans residing in Russia upon the 1989 census. People moved for a variety of reasons. They fled to escape persecution, to find employment, to avoid the poverty that many were being cast into by failing agriculture and general hardship. However, this did cause some problems during the First World War when Russia faced Germany as enemies! This was the only period of time that saw numerous Germans get out of Russia and head back home.

German/Russian genealogy did have a foundation in Russia. It rose in popularity as individual Germans began to associated with and marry Russians. Although not too dissimilar, the traditions and way of life that the two sets of individuals experienced mixed to form a separate culture in certain towns and villages. Very few groups that migrated to Russia actually kept themselves to themselves enough to keep the German/Russian genealogy at bay and their German heritage pure.

German/Russian genealogy is still prevalent in certain areas of the country today and will continue to be so as a result of the fact that the people have been there for so long. With the first substantial migration occurring in the 19^th Century, they have most definitely created a major German/Russian genealogy for their descendents to follow. Names have altered slightly, languages have been adopted and cultures have changed. However, that does not make it any less fascinating to find out about your family lineage. It just means that you may have to work a little harder to find out everything you want to know about you German/Russian genealogy!