The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Start this activity by scrolling down to “Additional Resources” and clicking on the PDF. This PDF offers background information that provides context for the articles shown. After you read the background information, use the highlighter and text tools to annotate some of the ways the press evolved in their representation of female athletes in those 30 years.  

Breaking Down Barriers in the Sport of Kings

In the 1930s, Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, began expanding its territory, starting with the annexation of Austria and the invasion of Czechoslovakia while Japan was pursuing imperial expansion. Tensions in the Pacific escalated, and the United States imposed economic sanctions on Japan, further straining relations. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S., leading to the United States' official entry into World War II.

During WWII, Americans on the home front made significant contributions to the war effort through rationing, war production, and military enlistment. Factories shifted to produce war materials such as weapons, tanks, and airplanes, while citizens conserved resources like food, rubber, and gasoline through government-mandated rationing programs. As you go through this activity, notice how the American horse racing industry also shifted to support the war effort during World War II. Pictured: Program from Belmont Park (Museum Collection)

Supporting the War Effort on the Home Front

The 20th century marked a period of profound transformation for America’s oldest sport, horse racing, as it evolved in response to significant cultural, political, and technological shifts across the country. Let’s review some of the information you learned during this course and see if it helps you get out of this escape room! 

Pictured: Washington Park Futurity (B.A. and H.A. "Jimmy" Jones Collection)

 Racing Through Change: A Review

The early 20th century, known as the Second Industrial Revolution, was a period of rapid technological advancements that greatly impacted various industries, including horse racing. Innovations in technology allowed the sport to evolve in new ways, making it more accessible, exciting, and efficient. Key technological developments allowed horse racing events, like the Kentucky Derby, to reach a broader audience, attracting new fans and making the sport more mainstream. These developments also brought horse racing to a global audience, providing real-time access to races, expert analysis, and betting opportunities, further transforming the sport into a multimillion-dollar global industry. Use this timeline to track how horse racing adapted to changes in technology over the 20th century. 

Milestones in Sports Broadcasting: From Radio to Television

Before the 20th century, horse racing was a key part of American culture, dating back to the colonial era. The first U.S. racetrack opened in 1665 in Long Island, New York, and racing quickly became popular among the colonial elite. By the 19th century, races like the Kentucky Derby (first held in 1875) had become iconic. The sport was not only a form of entertainment but also a significant social activity, attracting both the wealthy and the working class. Betting on these races became common, with wagers placed on horses to win, place, or show, leading to the development of a thriving gambling culture that was tightly interwoven with the sport itself. Horse racing helped fuel the American fascination with competition, breeding, and the emerging horse industry, contributing to the nation's growing interest in sports as both a spectacle and a form of leisure. As you go through this activity, notice how horse racing affects and is affected by American cultural and political movements.

Social Reform in the 1900s

This activity will track the turbulent years of the Great Depression and the remarkable career of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, whose rise to fame captured the hopes and spirits of Americans during one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history. As you explore key moments in Seabiscuit’s career, you’ll learn how this underdog horse, who defied expectations and overcame significant challenges, became a symbol of perseverance and resilience. At the same time, you’ll discover how the Great Depression affected American society, the economy, and everyday life, with a special focus on the impact it had on sports and the entertainment world. This activity will help you understand how Seabiscuit’s story intersected with the larger national narrative, offering a beacon of hope to millions of struggling Americans and inspiring a sense of unity and determination during the darkest days of the 1930s.

Providing Hope During the Great Depression

As the country emerged from the shadow of the war, there was a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and honoring its rich cultural heritage, especially the legacies of notable individuals who had made significant contributions to American society. This shift was driven by the desire to not only celebrate the country's past but also provide future generations with a deeper understanding of its history. Throughout the 1950s, a series of memorials, museums, and historical institutions were established across the country as part of a broader national movement to preserve the nation's collective history. The federal government, as well as local communities, took active steps in creating structures that celebrated achievements in science, arts, politics, and military history. 

Analyzing this map of America and looking at the institutions established during this time reveals the broad effort to preserve these legacies, especially in sports. Click on circles to see the events. 

Preservation and Celebration of History 

This course explores the profound impact of 20th-century American culture, politics, and economics on the evolution of thoroughbred racing. This course delves into the sport’s transformation through key moments such as the Great Depression, advancements in technology, and the cultural shift of gender roles. Through a historical lens, the course offers a unique understanding of how societal shifts influenced both the sport’s development and its role in American life.

Resource Kits

Object Library

Museums

The Track to Change: How 20th Century America Shaped Thoroughbred Racing

Breaking Down Barriers in the Sport of Kings

Guiding Question