The Legacy of the 1936 Olympic Games

The 1936 Olympic Games, held in Berlin, marked a pivotal moment in history characterized by the intertwining of sport and politics. This event was overshadowed by the rise of fascism, anti-Semitism, and racism, with Adolf Hitler using the games as a platform for propaganda to project a positive image of the Nazi regime. The complexities surrounding the American response to the games highlight the conflicting values of high Olympic ideals against the backdrop of craven self-interest and nationalism. Discussions of athletes like Jesse Owens, whose triumphs contradicted Nazi ideology, further underscore the games' significance in challenging oppressive narratives.