The Unique Context of the 1904 Olympics

The 1904 Summer Olympics were held for the first time in the United States, specifically in St. Louis, Missouri, coinciding with the Louisiana Purchase Centennial Exhibition. The event was not initially planned for St. Louis, as Chicago was supposed to host the Olympics. However, organizers in St. Louis applied pressure, claiming they would overshadow the Olympic events in Chicago, which ultimately resulted in St. Louis being chosen. This change made the event less accessible for many top athletes, particularly those from Europe, leading to a significant lack of international participation.