The 1936 Olympics David Braham

The summer Olympic games were held in Berlin Only 13 years after hyperinflation In 1931 the IOC had awarded the 1936 Olympic games to Berlin – this was only 7 years after hyperinflation. - This shows how important the era of recovery and respectability really was. But it was also whilst German had a democracy The stadium could hold up to 100,000 spectators 49 countries participated

The 1936 Olympics It was the perfect opportunity for Hitler to show to the world how efficient Nazi Germany was. It was also a great opportunity for Hitler to prove that the Aryan race was the master race. For propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels, it was the perfect scenario. Joseph Goebbels – the minister for Propaganda and enlightenment. The photographer for the Olympics was Leni Riefenstahl, a good friend of both Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels. She is also thought of as one of the greatest ever photographers and filmmakers with her pioneering techniques.

The 1936 Olympics Discrimination Germany had a perfectly good stadium in which to hold the Olympic games. However it had been built by many people. Some of these people were Jews or communists! This obviously meant that the stadium could not be used as it had probably been sabotaged! So a whole new stadium had to be built. And this stadium had to be a ‘German’ stadium. Built purely by Germans. This cost a lot of money. But at least Hitler was sure that nothing could go wrong.

The 1936 Olympics Hitler needed other countries to see how efficient Nazi Germany was. He needed the games to run as smoothly as possible So, all anti-Jew and anti-communist posters and signs were removed from the street and shop windows. Some anti-Jewish laws were also lifted during the games. This was to stop any violence or public acts by Jewish or Communist activists.

The 1936 Olympics There was a lot of controversy in the lead up to the Olympics as to whether the games should be boycotted. Many Americans believed it morally wrong for athletes to compete in a place where some athletes could not compete because of their race. Public demonstrations took place inside and outside of Germany to support the boycotting of the games. However the Americans elected to go to the games and the other countries followed in line.

The 1936 Olympics Lutz Long was the German superstar athlete leading up to the Olympics - He was a long jumper and the perfect Aryan with fair hair and blue eyes. Jesse Owens was an African American and the most famous athlete in the World. But Hitler claimed that African Americans were an ‘inferior race.’

The 1936 Olympics The ‘racially inferior’ Owens won four gold medals in the 100m, 200m, Long jump and 4x100m relay. He broke many Olympic records and broke world records in the:100m in10.2seconds 200m in 20.7seconds Long jump with 8.07metres 4x100m relay in 39.8seconds He defeated Lutz Long in a very closely contested Long jump final. However Long was the first to congratulate him after the final Hitler refused to place the gold medal around Jesse Owens’ neck.

"The Americans should be ashamed of themselves, letting Negroes win their medals for them. I shall not shake hands with this Negro do you really think that I will allow myself to be photographed shaking hands with a Negro?" Hitler said:

The 1936 Olympics Overall the Olympics were a success The Nazi party gained good publicity Germany won the most medals overall –Proving that the Aryans really were a ‘master race’ Nazi Germany now had far more respect from other countries.

Jack Beresford and Leslie Southwood of Great Britain after their victory in the double sculls. Alfred Schwarzmann of Germany victor in the 12 event competition performing the scissors on the pommel horse. Forrest Towns of the USA on winning gold in 110m hurdles Jesse Owens in his winning long jump.