TV series
This is the story of one of Europe's biggest migrations; one of people fleeing poverty or persecution and hoping for a better life. German-speaking people descended the Rhine and Danube rivers, from the 17th century until the end of the First World War, and settled in America, Eastern Europe, Russia and Africa.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
European Emigration: Forgotten Stories premiered November 8, 2025. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
This is the story of one of Europe's biggest migrations; one of people fleeing poverty or persecution and hoping for a better life. German-speaking people descended the Rhine and Danube rivers, from the 17th century until the end of the First World War, and settled in America, Eastern Europe, Russia and Africa.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Between 1618 and 1748, thousands of German-speaking people fled to North America and Eastern Europe to escape famine, disease and religious persecution. A huge refugee camp was established in London. European rulers began to compete for new settlers, making refugees a political weapon.
Where to watch European Emigration: Forgotten Stories
Episode 2
By 1750, the Promised Land in North America had already attracted almost 100,000 German-speaking emigrants. Without money for the long crossing, new arrivals had to work as indentured servants, ending up in the Brazilian jungle or in the French colony of Algiers. A few decades later, German-speaking immigrants contributed to the industrialisation of the USA.
Where to watch European Emigration: Forgotten Stories
Episode 3
After the revolutions of 1848, one million Germans emigrated to the USA, but came under suspicion of espionage during the First World War. Brazil remained open to German immigration and the largest national group of the Nazi Part was formed there. Germany’s crimes during the Nazi period destroyed the relationship between host countries and their German-speaking population.
Where to watch European Emigration: Forgotten StoriesEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Available now in United States
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