The First Battle was won today 80 years ago

Discussion in 'Prewar' started by Lindele, Jun 22, 2018.

  1. Lindele

    Lindele formerly HA96

    on 22 June 1938, Heavy Weight Box Champion Joe Louis (USA) beat Max Schmeling (Germany).
    And this was more than a blow to Adolf Hitler - He lost a battle which really hurt, very unfortunately, it did not stop him.
    What do Americans think of this histtoric defeat today?
    Stefan.
     
  2. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Archive on 4 - Joe v Max - BBC Sounds

    Bonnie Greer tells the story of one of the most famous sporting contests of all time - a boxing match in June 1938 between the American Joe Louis and the German Max Schmeling. The fight took on massive international, social and cultural significance and millions of people around the globe listened to the contest on their radios, making it the largest radio event in history. Schmeling had shocked the world two years earlier when he defeated Louis and became the toast of Germany, with Hitler and Goebbels among his fans. A rematch was inevitable. For the first time, most of white America was behind a black fighter and Jews in the US and Europe, all too aware of the Nazi threat, were also cheering Louis. With the world on the brink of war, it was projected as a contest between different social and racial ideals, a showdown between democracy and totalitarianism. President Roosevelt told Louis, "Joe we need muscles like yours to defeat Germany." Producer: Jonathan Mayo A TBI production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in June 2015.

    Also see - thread on here... Max Schmeling Dies
     
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2022
    Lindele and CL1 like this.

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