The Berlin Olympics, 1936
Key Facts
Location Berlin, Germany
Date 1–16 August 1936
Organised by The Nazi government, led by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels
Visitors Over 100 countries took part; millions watched in person or on radio
Stadium Olympic Stadium held over 100,000 spectators
Symbolism First Olympics to use the Olympic torch relay (invented by Nazis)
Propaganda film Olympia (1938) by Leni Riefenstahl, a high-quality Nazi propaganda film
Location Berlin, Germany
Date 1–16 August 1936
Organised by The Nazi government, led by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels
Visitors Over 100 countries took part; millions watched in person or on radio
Stadium Olympic Stadium held over 100,000 spectators
Symbolism First Olympics to use the Olympic torch relay (invented by Nazis)
Propaganda film Olympia (1938) by Leni Riefenstahl, a high-quality Nazi propaganda film
How important were the 1936 Olympics to Nazi rule? [25]
Legitimised Nazi Rule
Showcased Nazi Regime's Success Rebuilding from the Depression
Promoted National Pride and Unity
Promotion of Nazi Ideology
Legitimised Nazi Rule
- Hosting the Olympics gave Hitler’s regime international recognition and respectability.
- Many countries participated, helping to normalize Nazi Germany on the world stage.
- Foreign journalists and tourists were impressed by the order and efficiency.
- Anti-Semitic signs were temporarily removed to present a false image of tolerance.
Showcased Nazi Regime's Success Rebuilding from the Depression
- The Olympics demonstrated economic recovery after the Great Depression.
- Massive public works, like the new Olympic Stadium, showed Nazi investment in infrastructure.
- Efficient organisation and advanced technology (e.g., television broadcasts) showed progress.
- Visitors saw a modern, clean, and thriving Germany, hiding unemployment and repression.
Promoted National Pride and Unity
- The games fostered patriotic feeling among Germans, with mass rallies and celebrations.
- Germany won the most medals, which boosted public morale and confidence in Nazi leadership.
- Citizens were encouraged to see themselves as part of a strong, united nation.
- Propaganda praised German athletes as symbols of national strength and discipline.
Promotion of Nazi Ideology
- Events were used to promote Aryan superiority, with idealised German athletes.
- Nazi symbols (e.g., swastikas, salutes) were everywhere — blending sport and politics.
- The torch relay, invented by the Nazis, linked ancient Greek glory with Nazi strength.
- Despite Jesse Owens’ success, Nazi media downplayed or ignored non-Aryan victories.
- This success was used by the Nazi regime to promote the idea of Aryan strength and the superiority of German athletes.
