Germans Versus Volga Germans

It's not much of distinction, but it is important to note that when looking at Germans and Volga Germans, the population is different.  Volga-Germans often live in small farming communities, keep to themselves, and speak some Russian.  Not to mention they migrate between 1874-1878, whereas Germans start to arrive in the U.S. before the 1860s.  The Germans also have a tendency to live in large cities with other immigrant groups.  Some German immigrants are farmers too.

In the scholarly literature, the distinction is often noted in the text of a book, but sometimes these groups get lumped together.  This is unfair to do because while some experiences are the same, much of the interaction with other Americans is very different and the general stories for migration are also not the same.  Although, I will say that comparisions between the two groups are certainly necessary to establish these separate identities.  When studying this topic, make sure you note this carefully.