A Historical Reinterpretation of the Forces Underlying the First State Legislation for Physical Education in the Public Schools of the U.S.

The German Contribution to American Physical Education: A Historical Perspective

“…Meanwhile, the first state legislation making physical education mandatory was enacted in California in 1866 (Barney, 1973). While education innovator John Swett is credited with initiating mandatory physical education, Barney argues that the Turners in California played an important role in creating a political environment in Sacramento conducive to passing the legislation.…”