1930 Dbq

The Berlin Olympics took place in 1936. In America, the 1930's were a turbulent time for race relations. Despite the decline of such organizations as the Ku Klux Klan (which had enjoyed renewed support during the 1910's and 1920's) racism was as strong as ever in the Southern states. The increased presence of Black Americans in Northern cities (where many had migrated during WWII and especially during the Depression) resulted in increased tension between the races there as well. In Germany, Hitler was using his fascist mindset to control Germany and change the outlook of Germany in entirety. Hitler believed that the Aryan people and Germany was destined to rule the world. He also felt that democracy and workers’ rights would disrupt society.

Relating to the Olympics and his Aryan race, Hitler said that "What we ask of German youth of the future is different from the past. German youth must be slender and lean, swift as greyhounds, tough as leather, hard as Krupp steel." Hitler believed that the Aryan race was perfect and that athletically, other races would not be able to compete. Because of what Hitler was doing to the Jews and other non-Aryan people in Germany, the International Olympic Committee finally forced the Germans to allow all those who were qualified - black, Jewish or mixed - to participate, many in the United States suggested that Owens and other athletes should boycott the games. One of the people who did not want Owens to participate in the Olympic games was Walter White, the leader of the NAACP. In the letter White expressed the issued and concern he had with Owens participation. White said, "Will you permit me to say that it was with deep regret that I read in the New York press today a statement attributed to you saying that you would participate in the 1936 Olympic Games even if they are held in Germany under the Hitler regime. I trust that you will not think me unduly officious in expressing the hope that this report is erroneous. Participation by American athletes, and especially by those of your own race which has suffered more than any other from American race hatred, would, I firmly believe, do irreparable harm. The moral issue

Day two, the 100 meter dash. As heard on the day, "at the start, the athletes are toeing the line. Now the start. Ready. Set. Go! The Dutch runner is leading, now Jesse Owens is closing in, Metcalfe is trailing, Borchmeyer is fighting desperately. Owens is closing in on the finishing line with a large lead. First Owens. Second Metcalfe." After, Owens says, "I'm very glad to have won the 100 meters at the Olympic games here in Berlin. A very beautiful place, and a very beautiful setting. The competition was grand and we’re very glad to come out on top. Thank you very kindly." Owens has tied the world record and can check one goal off his list. Based off tradition, the leader of the host country would congratulate the gold medal winner, but Hitler did none of the sort. Louis Stokes, a Cleveland resident at the time said, "As an African American, all of us shared the snubbery by Hitler of Jesse Owens. Jesse was ours. He was us. He was me. And when Hitler snubbed him -- he snubbed every one of us." As Owens began to win, African Americans began to join and support him. Day three, the long jump. Owens came out sloppy in the preliminaries, but jumped far enough to qualify for the finals. During the event, "the leader changed constantly. When one athlete reached a certain distance the other countered. And for a long time, it was impossible to tell how the contest