Jack London: An American Life

Abstract

**Abstract:** *Heartland*, a historical drama by Lojo Simon and Anita Simons, explores the internment of German Americans during World War II, focusing on a Wisconsin dairy farm family's struggle to retain their land amidst mounting hostility. Set in March 1945, the play delves into the complexities of loyalty, heritage, and survival as the family faces criticism for harboring two German POWs. The banker’s wife, suspicious of their German roots, pressures the bank to seize the farm when the matriarch is interned on espionage charges. Post-war, the landless family embarks on a journey westward, symbolizing displacement and loss. Drawing from oral histories, Simon and Simons highlight the underrepresented experiences of German Americans during wartime internment. They argue that while some efforts have been made to preserve this history, it remains largely unknown in the broader public consciousness. By integrating historical context with dramatic narrative, *Heartland* aims to educate audiences about a forgotten chapter in U.S. history, encouraging dialogue and reflection on issues of national identity, loyalty, and justice during wartime.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)