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338 BCE
Ancient Greece and Rome
(Foundations of Physical Education, Exercise Science, and Sport) The city-states of Ancient Greece, particularly Athens, placed high value on physical activity, viewing sport, exercise, and fitness as integral to education and life. Development of the body was valued, and the Greeks engaged in training to develop their physiques. -
Colonial Period (1607-1783)
When the first colonists from Europe arrived in North America, they were confronted with harsh conditions and focused their efforts primarily on survival. When they were not working, they engaged in recreational activities. -
Early Modern European Period
Based founded the Philanthropinium, a school for boys located at Dessau. This was the first school in modern Europe that admitted boys from all classes and that included physical eduction as part of the educational curriculum. -
National Period (1784-1861)
Intrest in education grew, and more schools were established for both males and females. In the 1820s and 1830s, physical education began to be incorporated into school curriculums. -
Intercollegiate Athletes
In 1852, the first intercollegiate competition occurred. A crew race between Harvard and Yale was held, with Harvard winning the race. Intercollegiate athletics would begin to assume increasingly prominent role on college campuses. -
Preparing teachers
In 1881, Sargent founded the Sanatory Gymnasium, a school to prepare physical education teachers to utilize his scientific and comprehensive approach to physical education. Later this school became the Sargent School for Physical Education, and today it is the Sargent College of Boston University. -
Bicycles
Around 1886, the safety bicycle, the forerunner of today's bicycle, was invented, and both males and females began to ride in great numbers. The popularity of the bicycle led to changes in women's attire; women began dressing in ways that allowed for more freedom of movement and enabled greater participation in a wide variety of physical activities. -
Civil War through (1900)
Racism in the late 1800s led to the passage of "Jim Crow" laws that resulted in the segregation of blacks and whites in many areas of life, including schools, playgrounds, and sports. The turnvereins took action in promoting physical education, advocating for its inclusion in the schools. -
Early Twentieth Century
The "new physical education" developed, which emphasized a program of activities and the contribution of physical education to the total education of the individual. Sport became increasingly organized during this same time and grew tremendously in popularity. -
World War 1 (1916-1919)
The Selective Service Act of 1917 called to service all men between the ages of 18 and 25. Woman also began to show interest in sport and physical education, as well as in other fields formerly considered to be off-limits. -
Golden Twenties (1920-1929)
In 1924, the Teachers College of Columbia University and New York University ordered the first doctoral degrees in physical education, and other programs began to develop around the country as well. During this period, intramural athletic programs increased in colleges and universities. -
Depression Years (1930-1939)
Between 1932 and 1934, an estimated 40% of the physical education programs were dropped completely. Interscholastic athletic programs continued to grow and in some situations dominated physical education programs and created many educational problems. -
Mid-Twentieth Century (1940-1970)
A significant teacher shortage during and following the war led to an increase in professional preparation programs in colleges and universities. In 1964, the first National Institute on Girls' Sports was held, with conference participants discussing ways to encourage more gils and women to participate in sports. -
School Physical Education
In 1971, the Physical Education Public Information Project was begun to inform the public, educators, and policy makers about the value of physical education. PEPI emphasized that "physical education is health insurance". -
The Discipline
In 1994, Ziegler reported that physical education and sport was the most widely used title for the field worldwide. The growth of the discipline influenced professional preparation programs at colleges and universities.
