Currents of physical education in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries and in German and Swedish gymnastics

Abstract

Gymnastic movements have emerged as a part of physical activities which is a corporate product of ancient Greek culture; these activities have been forgotten with the destruction of the Greek civilization. In the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe, rebirth in science, art, culture and sports began. It was largely free from religious influence and pressure. It is clear that German and Swedish gymnastics deeply influenced the European countries due to physical education currents in the 18th and 19th centuries. German gymnastics served more to military purposes. Sweden gymnastics was used for health purposes.