At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, which Hitler hoped would demonstrate Aryan superiority, the African American sprinter Jesse Owens won four gold medals, in the 100 metres, 200 metres, long jump and 4 x 100 metres relay, between 3 and 9 August, setting or equalling Olympic records. In the long jump he was helped by the advice of his German rival Luz Long, who became his friend. The story that Hitler refused to shake his hand is partly myth: he had left the stadium. Owens returned to a country where he still faced segregation, and was not invited to the White House.
Before and after
- from 18 July 1936 to 1 April 1939Spanish Civil War
- from 21 July 1936 to 27 September 1936Siege of the Alcázar
- 26 July 1936Construction of Canadian National Vimy Memorial
- 1 August 1936Construction of Berlin Olympic Stadium
- from 3 August 1936 to 9 August 1936Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in Berlin
- from 19 August 1936 to 1 March 1938Moscow Trials
- 19 August 1936Death of Federico García Lorca
- 29 August 1936Birth of John McCain
- 3 September 1936Birth of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali
More in Society, economy & sport
- 9 July 1916Founding of CONMEBOL
- 20 July 1924Founding of FIDE
- 4 March 1933Roosevelt's New Deal begins
- 28 August 1937Founding of Toyota
- November 1938Kristallnacht
- 7 December 1944Founding of International Civil Aviation Organization
The era
This moment belongs to the Modern era (1914 CE to 1945 CE), world wars and a changing world. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.