Kultur 1

Benjamin Lemisch
German 101-002
Kultur 1
German immigrants played a large part in establishing the physical education system in America. The German immigrants fleeing in 1848 and 1849 brought with them the Turner Movement which revolutionized gymnastics in America. The Germans created many social and athletic gatherings around the turner style of gymnastics and allowed more Americans to get involved with physical activity. The Turner motto is “Sound Mind in a Sound Body”; a concept that has been lost in America today. More people in America need to become physically active and remain in shape, not only on body but of mind. Too often these qualities do not coincide in today’s world. It was their vision to realize human potential through the integration of mental and physical development. This is similar to the regiment Marine Corps uses to develop Marines and Marine Officers. George Brosius, a Turner gymnastic instructor, was the first superintendent of physical education. German immigrants contributed greatly to the rise in physical education and physical activity of the American people during the late 1800’s and into the future.