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=The Summer Olympics of 1936 in Berlin, Germany=


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However unlikely it may seem, the Summer Olympics of 1936 were held in Nazi Germany. Five years previous, the International Olympic Committee had awarded the games to Berlin; effectively destroying the German democracy, Adolf Hitler assumed the Chancellory three years previous in 1933.

The Olympic Games provided an excellent opportunity for Hitler to promote the dominance of the "Aryan" race. Accordingly, the German team was comprised of all Aryans. Although, Helene Mayer, a part-Jewish female fencer, was allowed to represent Germany. This was allowed only to appease the international community. In addition to promoting Aryan dominance, Hitler also wanted to display Nazi power an unity.

In preparation for the games, Germany removed anti-Semetic signs and banners (though, Germany utilized advertisment for the games for pro-Aryan propaganda). The Germans also suspended certain criminal penalties regarding homosexuality. These guises where successful in convincing most of the world of Germany's peacefullness and tolerance.

Despite efforts to boycott the games, Jewish organizations were not able to stop the participation of Jewish atheletes. In December of 1935 the Amateur Atheletic Union of the U.S. decided to participate in the games, after which many other countries followed. Thus, the boycott movement died away.

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