Why would speaking the same language cause people to form a closer
relationship? *

Because if you speak in same language you'll understand what does you peer is saying for example, you need help with a homework and if you don't know English, you can't communicate with your classmate or teacher but if you do, you can easily communicate with them. Your language helps you to express your feelings to other and if everyone speak the same language people can communicate easily and comfortably which cause people to form a closer  relationship.

world war i had a devastating effect on german-americans and their cultural heritage. up until that point   german-americans, as a group, had been spared much of the discrimination, abuse, rejection, collective mistrust experienced by so many different racial and ethnic groups in the history of the united states. indeed, over the years, they had been viewed as a well integrated and esteemed part of american society. all of this change with the outbreak of war.