“Sportization” of the country in the 1920s – 1930s
https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-6541-2024-6-4-60-75
Abstract
The main goal of the Soviet power in the system of physical education was the upbringing of comprehensively developed builders of Communism who possessed high moral qualities and physical perfection. Physical education became a matter of national importance and solved the tasks of political education, preparation for effective work, created the conditions for the formation of a sense of collectivism, promoted workers’ organized rest. Mass spread of physical training, especially among young people, influenced the public health and the establishment of healthy habits and hygiene.
Komsomol organizations played an active part in promoting healthy lifestyle and advocating the importance of physical education and sport. The issue was also discussed theoretically – both in terms of fighting for the health of young constructors of communism and for the “automation” of work in industrial enterprises. Physical exercises helped to develop the skills of coherent, clear production work. The Central Institute of Labour and its founder and director A.K. Gastev paid much attention to the scientific organization of work and the role of physical culture in it. The principles of rhythmic activity were developed and applied in theatrical practice by V.E. Meyerhold.
Mass “sportization” of the country was implemented through the founding of sports organizations, holding physical culture parades and contests. Considerable importance was also given to the creation of favourable conditions for physical activity and sports: by building throughout the whole country, sports grounds, fitness houses, stadiums. The present article is an attempt to show the scope of the construction of sports facilities in the 1920s – 1930s and to consider the most interesting, from the point of view of the author, stadium projects – those that were implemented or just left on paper.
The research is based on the archival sources and the publications of the Soviet architects – the contemporaries to the events discussed.
About the Author
E. V. Barysheva
Russian State University for the Humanities
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elena V. Barysheva, Dr. of Sci. (History), associate professor
6, Miusskaya Sq., Moscow, 125047
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Review
For citations:
Barysheva E.V. “Sportization” of the country in the 1920s – 1930s. History and Archives. 2024;6(4):60-75. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.28995/2658-6541-2024-6-4-60-75
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