The 1936 Olympics Flashcards
1
Q
Why did Goebbels think the Olympics would be useful?
A
- Goebbels convinced Hitler it would be a great propaganda opportunity in Germany and internationally
- The Olympics could be a showcase for the doctrine that the Aryan race was superior
2
Q
Why was there international pressure?
A
- There was international pressure for nations such as the USA to boycott (ban) the Games in protest against the Nazis’ repressive regime and anti-Jewish politics.
- In response the Nazis included one token Jew in their team
3
Q
What did Goebbels build?
A
- Goebbels built a brand new stadium to hold 100,000 people
- Lit by the most modern electric lighting
- Brought in television cameras for the first time
- Most sophisticated German photo-electronic timing device was installed
- Largest stopclock ever built
- No expense was spared to impress guests from around the world
4
Q
How many various countries were guests and competitors coming from?
A
49
5
Q
What did visitors think of the stadium?
A
- They were amazed at the scale of the stadium and the modern facilities
- Some were appalled by the almost fanatical devotion of the people to Hitler
- Shocked by the overt presence of SS soldiers patrolling everywhere
6
Q
How well did Germany do in the Olympics?
A
They came top of the medal table, way ahead of all other countries.
7
Q
What was Hitler and Goebbels unhappy about with the Olympics?
A
- Jesse Owens, a black athlete, became the star of the Games.
- He won four gold medals and broke eleven world records in the process
- The ten black members of the American team won 13 medals between them
- This definitely contradicted Aryan superiority
8
Q
Summarised successes of the 1936 Olympics
A
- International attention
- Extremely modern and advanced country
- Employment with stadium jobs
- Games represented all the ‘Nazi qualities’
9
Q
Summarised failures of the 1936 Olympics
A
- Some countries like America threatened to boycott the games
- Jesse Owens won 4 Olympic medals
