Jesse Owens

Activity

Using the PowerPoint on Social Darwinism and the reading on the 1936 Berlin Olympics, students answer the discussion questions and reflect about the experience of Jesse Owens.

Grade Level

7-12

ELA Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies

RH1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

RH7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

RH9: Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.

WHST7: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Social Studies Framework

8.6 WORLD WAR II: The aggression of the Axis powers threatened United States security and led to its entry into World War II. The nature and consequences of warfare during World War II transformed the United States and the global community. The damage from total warfare and atrocities such as the Holocaust led to a call for international efforts to protect human rights and prevent future wars.

10.5 UNRESOLVED GLOBAL CONFLICT (1914–1945): World War I and World War II led to geopolitical changes, human and environmental devastation, and attempts to bring stability and peace.

10.5d Nationalism and ideology played a significant role in shaping the period between the world wars.

SEL Benchmarks

2A. Recognize and build empathy for the feelings and perspectives of others.

2B. Recognize and affirm individual identities as well as individual and group similarities and differences, including those rooted in culture, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ability, etc.

3A: Consider individual and collective social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being, as well as social context in making decisions.

Objectives

Students will be able to analyze how Jesse Owens’ achievements at the 1936 Berlin Olympics challenged Nazi ideology and served as a powerful statement against racism and antisemitism on a global stage. 

Students will evaluate the political and social significance of the 1936 Olympics within the context of rising totalitarianism and racial ideologies in Nazi Germany.