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Hitler wanted to use the 1936 Olympics in Berlin as a time to show off Germany's achievements and the superiority of the Aryan (White German) Race, but Jesse Owens, a black man from the US, spoilt it by winning four gold medals (100m, 200m, relay and long jump). Hitler responded by shrugging and saying "People whose antecedents came from the jungle are primitive, their physiques are stronger than those of civilized whites and hence should be excluded from future games."

What Hitler did not do was refuse to shake Jesse Owens hand. On the first day of the Olympics, Hitler had only shaken hands of German athletes and ignored the foreign athletes. He got told off for this and was told he'd have to shake all their hands. As a result, Hitler did not shake the hands of any athlete after this.

Ironically, Owens pointed out that "Hitler didn't snub me - it was FDR who snubbed me. The president didn't even send me a telegram". Indeed, Owens was very popular among German spectators and while staying in Berlin, he enjoyed many privilages he hadn't had, such as staying in the same hotels as whites and travelling with them on public transport.

When he returned home - he was completely ignored by most Americans. Owens did attend a parade in New York to celebrate his achievements and had a dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria - where he was forced to use the freight elevator.

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Q: Hitler and Jesse Owens in the Olympics?
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Related questions

Who upset Hitler during the 1936 Olympics?

Jesse Owens


What African American athlete upset Hitler at the Olympics in 1936?

jesse owens


What German leader was upset about Jesse Owens accomplishments?

Adolf Hitler was angered by Jesse Owens spectacular individual and team performances at the Berlin Olympics.


Who refused to shake Jesse Owens's hand at the 1936 Summer Olympics?

adolf Hitler


Why didn't Hitler shake Jesse Owens' hand after winning the Olympics?

As far as he was concerned Owens didn't win and was inferior .


Who won 4 medals in the Berlin Olympics why did it make adolf Hitler angry?

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Which black athlete's outstanding performance at the 1936 Olympics upset Hitler's plans?

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Because Hitler wanted just a race of Arians, but Jesse Owens comes along and destroys that by winning 4 gold medals but the Germans still got the most medals and also one of Hitlers' friends betrayed him but becoming friends with Jesse.


Did anything unusual happen in Jesse Owens' life?

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What famous black runner ruined Hitler's master race theory at the Berlin Olympics in 1936?

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What famous person from Germany watched Jesse Owens win gold medals in the Olympics?

This was the infamous Adolph Hitler .


What international sporting events has Berlin hosted?

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