A Letter about Meeting Adolf Hitler
In 1935, Mr. C.H. Sherrill, former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board, met with Adolf Hitler to explore whether Germany intended to prevent Jewish athletes from participating in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Upon his return to his home in France, Sherrill wrote to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s secretary Marguerite LeHand about the meeting.
Look closely at this letter and answer the questions below. As you read, consider the overall tone of the letter and the author’s word choice.
Click on “View Primary Source Details” to see the entire letter. Answer the following:
- What is Charles H. Sherrill’s purpose for writing this letter? Pay particular attention to the handwritten section at the end. What new information is included there about the 1936 Olympic Games?
- Briefly summarize Sherrill’s overall opinion of Adolf Hitler. What evidence does Sherrill provide to support his opinions about Hitler?
- List details that reveal the creator’s perspective. What clues can you find about their background or point of view?
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