The Revival of the Olympics
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The Revival of the Olympic Games
From 776 B.C.E until the year 393 B.C. the athletic competitions famously recognized as The Olympic Games, were held roughly every four years in Greece. The difference between the two games resulted from a number of changes. Women began to get involved, making the games more than just a competition between man and man. Some countries also tried to use the games in their favor by raising their political and social statuses as well as their national pride. These new games were eventually turned into a political war. Although, as the games progressed and time passed, the “war” had generally died down. Yes, it took quite a while, but the games had drastically changed for the better.
The modernization of the games began with the involvement of the women. The female newcomers in the beginning were few to none, but as things progressed, the percentages soon skyrocketed. (This is proven to us by a picture in an England newspaper. The year was 1908, and it portrayed a skilled female archer.) This was due largely to an Algerian competitor in 1992. She convinced the world that not only were women capable of competing, but were likely to win. (Doc 2,8)
Pierre de Coubertins newfound games soon turned into a more playful version of war. The “battles” were enemy against enemy, both competing for the same goal: glory. (Doc 1,4) Bob Matthias, the source of this document, was able to relate to the intensity and pressures of the game first hand as a competitor. (POV) Nazis used these newfound games as an opportune time to prove to the people that their government system trumped all. On the other hand, Pakistan used the games not as a political boost, but as an elevation in national pride. (Doc 3,10) As a British team official during the German games, Arnold Lunn witnessed firsthand the Nazis evil intentions. (POV) Anything that was arguable was brought forth by the Nazis in attempt at raising their social status, disproving Pierres goal of reviving the games.
Power helps this world survive and function. Japan, as a struggling country can relate. If not for the world power that came with the involvement of the games, Tokyo would have been sucked into oblivion. (Doc 5) The fact that Moscow was chosen to host the games was another relief. The peaceful, foreign policy pursued by the Soviet Union was a climb toward social progress. (Doc