The 1932 Summer Olympics were held in Los Angeles, the second time they had been hosted in the United States. Los Angeles was the only city to submit a bid for the Olympics, and was unanimously selected to host the games at the 23rd IOC Session in Rome, Italy, in 1923. The Olympics were held at the height of the Great Depression, and this was clearly visible in the scale of the games. Less than half the number of participants of the 1928 Summer Olympics, held in Amsterdam returned to compete in 1932. Even the current President at the time, Herbert Hoover, did not make an appearance. Only 37 countries participated. However, even though it was held
during the Great Depression, it was still reported ho have made a profit of $1,000,000. This was only possible because the U.S. did not build any new structures, making due with existing infrastructure, with the exception of a new swimming stadium, which was only temporary. The games consisted of 117 events in 20 disciplines, comprising 14 sports. The United States won a total of 103 medals, more than the next 4 combined. The next Olympic Games, those of 1936, were held in Nazi Germany, and the contrast between the two could not be more obvious. The Nazis built entirely new facilities to house the olympians, as well as new stadiums in which they could compete, spending more than 10 million just to film the event
This is such an interesting post! I found it really fascinating that only 37 countries competed- maybe it was due to the fact that so many countries didn't want to get involved with America during the great Depression. Which countries did not participate in these Olympics? Was there a greater turnout at Germany's? Germany used America's weakness in the Great Depression as an excuse to rise up in power, so the fact that they showboated all of their wealth by building new arenas for the events most likely foreshadowed the war ahead.
ReplyDeleteI also find this post very interesting. I think that the depression did have a huge impact on the small turnout because it effected most of the world. For many countries it would have been much too costly and difficult to get their athletes to Los Angeles with the economic troubles that many faced. There actually was a greater turnout at the 1936 Olympic in nazi Germany, with 49 countries participating. The greater participation I think can be attributed to the centralized location (in Europe too), Berlin.
ReplyDeleteThis post was very interesting. I found it really interesting that America saw such a small turnout during these Olympics. In fact, Nazi Germany saw 49 countries participating, which is surprising because I would have thought that many countries would boycott the anti-Semitic Olympics. Why do you think this was?
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