Nazi Germany: Black People, Hitler, and Historical Misconceptions

Historical records and contemporary debates often mischaracterize Nazi Germany's policies towards black individuals. This article aims to clarify common misconceptions and provide accurate information on the topic, drawing from historical facts and online resources.

Falsehoods and Realities About Nazi Policies

One of the persistent myths is that Nazi Germany had a direct policy of shooting all blacks on site. It is important to clarify that while Hitler's regime was one of the most racist in modern history, the specific detail about shooting on site does not hold up under scrutiny.

In factual terms, Nazi Germany did not have a direct policy on Black people. For much of the early 20th century, Germany was relatively open to black individuals, as evidenced by the German Empire's colonial presence in Africa until 1918. Additionally, blacks were not systematically targeted in the Eastern Front or Russia during World War II.

Jesse Owens and Adolf Hitler

Another common misconception involves Jesse Owens and Adolf Hitler's interaction at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Contrary to popular belief, Jesse Owens did indeed meet Hitler on multiple occasions. Having met the German leader after winning gold, Owens recalled that Hitler shook his hand. This is further corroborated by the comments of both Owens and other athletes who shared their experiences.

However, it is also accurate that President Franklin D. Roosevelt did not acknowledge Owens after his historic performances. Owens famously stated, "Hitler didn’t snub me—it was our president who snubbed me... The president didn’t even send me a telegram."

Racial Policies and Black Germans

The core of Nazi racism, as documented extensively, involved the extermination of the Jewish population. For black people, the policies were different, but stillentingal. After the Nürnberg Laws of 1935, which mandated racial "purity," black Germans faced significant hardship.

By losing their German citizenship and the right to marry Germans, many were forced into "colonial shows" or films about the German colonial era. Over time, into the 1940s, many were subjected to forced sterilization and forced labor. Sadly, up to 2,000 black Germans perished in concentration camps.

Black Germans in the Early 20th Century

The presence of black people in Germany was notably prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thousands of young Africans came to Germany for professional education, as craftsmen, trade assistants, or for theological education.

Many rich African families took this opportunity to send their sons to Germany for education. While most returned to their home countries, roughly 20,000 to 30,000 remained in Germany during the Weimar Republic period. These individuals faced discrimination and were later subjected to Nazi laws that stripped them of their citizenship and rights.

Children of the Occupied Rhineland

Another group of considerable interest are the Rheinland-Kinder, or Rhineland children. These were children of French or North African soldiers fathered during the occupation of the Rhineland and Saarland after World War I. The German government viewed them as a source of "black shame" and subjected many to forced sterilization.

Though the French military deployed these troops for strategic reasons, the Nazis capitalized on the situation, further stigmatizing these children. This practice continued under the Nazi regime, leading to significant human suffering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Nazi Germany was undeniably racist, the specifics of their policies towards black people were nuanced and often misunderstood. Historical facts reveal that black Germans faced significant challenges, including loss of citizenship and rights, but also notes that these policies were not uniformly applied. Understanding these complexities is crucial for a more accurate historical narrative.

Source: Rio 2016 Olympic Games: Did Hitler shake Jesse Owens hand in 1936 - MARCA English