Essay On 1936 Olympics

The Olympics of 1936 were perhaps one of the most controversial and iconic sporting events that have taken place in history. This was caused in large part by the circumstances surrounding the games and was complicated by the many world conflicts taking place. Because he had been elected chancellor of Germany in 1933, Hitler was in charge of the games and the proceedings that would follow. Given his record of discriminatory behaviors like devising the Final Solution, Jews and other undesirables were not allowed to participate. In addition, HItler frequently chose not to acknowledge medalist winners that he rejected. Three important components of the Olympics of 1936 include Jesse Owens’ record-breaking performances in the games, the discrimination of the Jews, the start of propagandization. One component of the 1936 Olympics was the record-breaking performances of Jesse Owens. During the games, Hitler planned to show off the Aryan race. He felt that they were the dominant race, but was then later proved wrong by Jesse Owens. According to the Columbia
Electronic Encyclopedia, “Owens astounded the world and upset Hitler's "Aryan" theories by equaling the world mark (10.3 sec) in the 100-meter race” ("Jesse Owens."). Owens became the most successful athlete at the time. This was accomplished by winning four gold medals in track and field ("Jesse Owens's Inspiring History"). Each of Owen’s wins was a “slap in the face to Hitler's notions of white dominance” (Baron). Owens competed in the 100 meter race, the 200 meter race, the 4x100 meter relay, and the long-jump. He was the first American to win four track and field medals in a single Olympics games. This record stood unbroken for 48 years ("Jesse Owens's Inspiring History"). Another important factor of these Olympic games was the discrimination of Jewish participants. Throughout this time the Nazi regime was trying to strengthen the Aryan race. As a result they they looked to sports as a way “to exercise political control over its citizens, and to prepare German youth for war” ("The Nazi Party: The Nazi Olympics"). In addition to this any athletes that had Jewish or part-Jewish heritage was automatically excluded from the German sports facilities and associations. At this time Jewish athletes were only allowed to train at poor quality training facilities. They were also allowed to compete but their opportunities were very limited ("The Nazi Party: The Nazi Olympics"). However this all began to change shortly after Hitler rose into power. Once in power, Hitler chose to exclude Jews from German sports. Shortly before the Olympic games began German officials made it clear that no Jewish athletes would be allowed to compete under Germany. For example, Gretel Bergmann, a German high jumper, was denied a spot on the German team due to her Jewish heritage ("The Nazi Party: The Nazi Olympics"). A final component of the Olympic games was the propagandization in Germany.
The 1936 Olympics was a great place for Nazi propaganda to flourish. They made use of colorful posters and magazine spreads in order to promote the games. This propaganda symbolized the Nazi regime as the heir to the Aryan race. The visuals of the posters included men and women who looked heroic with blue eyes, blonde hair, and finely- chiseled features ("The Nazi Party: The Nazi Olympics"). In summary, the 1936 Olympics consisted of record-breaking Jesse Owens, Discrimination of the Jews, and Propagandization. Jesse Owens won four gold medals and proved Hitler that the Aryan race was not superior. Also those who were Jewish or part-Jewish in Germany had limited opportunity to compete. Finally, propagandization promoted the Aryan race. The 1936 Olympics are still known today as one of the most controversial but also exciting
games.