The Nazi Olympics of 1936
Mollika Ourn-1st Period
Olympiastadion
Fire Torch Relay
Max Schemling
The Olympics not for Jews?
International Boycott Calls
In attempt to decrease the anger from other nations, German Authorities allowed Helen Mayer, a part Jewish Fencer, to participate in the Olympics. They had the woman represent Germany, and obtained a silver medal. From this, salutes from other nations were raised.
Including Mayer, other Jews were allowed into the Olympics and won medals. Even though some European Jews were pressured to give into boycotting, they declined and joined in on the Olympics of 1936.
During these moments, the Nazis held down their racial image. All anti-Jew signs were taken down temporarily everywhere.
Max Schmeling, the Puppet of the Nazis.
Max Schmeling was a heavy-weight boxing champion from 1930-1932. He had well known fights against Americans, such as Joe Louis, Jack Sharkey, and Max Baer. Due to the fact that Baer was Jewish, and Louis was of African-American ethnicity, the press was able to use this for political suggestions. Schmeling went on a tour to America, and defeated Joe Louis in a boxing fight. The Nazis praised Schmeling for his victory when he returned home to Germany, as this was a good example of Aryan Strength.
Schmeling returned to America in 1938 to compete against Joe Louis for world title, and he was shamed by the American press for being a puppet controlled by the string master Nazis. Max Schmeling was seen with a hatred for Jews, even though he didn't support the Nazis. The crowd threw trash at Schmeling as he walked to the ring in the Yankee Stadium. Schmeling lost the rematch to Joe Louis and the Nazis threw him away as he was of no use.
Conclusion
Max Schmeling was favored by the Nazis after his victory against Joe Louis. It made him the perfect example of the Aryan Race. Though, the American press portrayed him as a puppet and a Nazi lover and was shamed.
Facts
- The Olympics had some on-field incidents that were connected to Hitler's perspective on racial superiority
- Nearly 5,000 athletes from 51 countries participated in the Olympics
- The 1936 Olympics was the first to introduce the Fire Torch Relay. The Olympics Flame was transported from Greece
- The Nazis used twenty transmitting vans to help convey the Olympics in 28 different languages
- The Olympics of 1936 was the first to be broadcasted on television.
Links to Other Websties
Perfect website with better information about international boycott calls and Max Schmeling.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/nazi-germany/the-1936-berlin-olympics/
Provides great information about the history of the Fire Torch Relay, transmitting vans, and more background information.
Citations
"The 1936 Berlin Olympics." History Learning Site., 09 Mar. 2015. Web. 25 Jan. 2016. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/nazi-germany/the-1936-berlin-olympics/>.
Cogliano, Thomas. Olympic Torch Relay Opening Ceremony. Digital image. A Necessary Reflection and the Value of a Single Human Being. N.p., 23 July 2012. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268484-the-1936-olympics-a-necessary-reflection-and-the-value-of-a-single-human-being#>.
"The Nazi Olympics Berlin 1936." United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States Holocaust Memorial Council, 18 Aug. 2015. Web. 25 Jan. 2016. <http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005680>.
"On This Day: Joe Louis Knocks Out Max Schmeling." On This Day: Joe Louis Knocks Out Max Schmeling., 22 June 2011. Web. 25 Jan. 2016. <http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/on-this-day/May-June-08/On-this-Day--Joe-Louis-KO-s-Max-Schmeling-at-Yankee-Stadium.html>.
Opening Ceremony of 1936 Olympics. Digital image. Should We Send a Jew to the Berlin Olympics? N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Feb. 2016. <http://www.sportsjournalists.co.uk/olympics/should-we-send-a-jew-to-cover-the-berlin-olympics/>.
"Stock Footage - 1936 SPORTS: MAX SCHMELING BOXING INTERVIEW POST JOE LOUIS FIGHT." YouTube. YouTube, 6 Apr. 2012. Web. 02 Feb. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GUVD4HPTF0>.
Tolzmann, Henrich. Max A. Schmeling, Boxer. Digital image. Germany Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.germany.travel/en/ms/german-originality/heritage/famous-people/sports/max-a-schmeling-boxer.html>.
Wood, Angela. Holocaust: The Events and Their Impact on Real People. New York, NY: DK, 2007. Print.