Both in terms of participants and spectators, much Edwardian sport operated on a more organised and commercial basis than in the late Victorian period, amid concerns about the fitness of the nation’s youth in the event of war, and the higher real incomes enjoyed by some sections of the population. However, distinctions between ‘gentlemen’ and ‘players’ continued, and ideas of sports ‘suitable for ladies’ were slow to change. As well as exploring these aspects of Edwardian Britain, we will revisit the 1908 London Olympics - originally intended for Rome but hosted at short notice in London instead - including the tug-of-war contest that provoked one of the greatest controversies of the games.
Course aim
This lecture will consider how far concerns about the fitness of the nation’s youth in the event of war influenced sporting activities during this period, and revisit some of the successes and controversies of the 1908 London Olympics.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- You will need to be able to follow links to join our WEA live video learning platform: WEA Zoom. If you’d like to understand more about our video learning platform, Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/WEAonline and http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- This is a live lecture delivered by a subject specialist in an online webinar video learning platform. You will need to be able to access the internet on a device with speakers or earphones. There will be opportunities to take part in discussions and chats. If you’d like to know how to use Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Decide how far concerns about the nation's fitness for war influenced sporting activities in the early 20th century.
- Account for the successes of British athletes at the 1908 Olympics.
- Develop your skills of critical analysis of historical evidence.
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
What else do I need to know?
- What you need: You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. If you’d like to understand more Zoom please visit: http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec
- Nothing else is needed
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading or pre course work is required
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
Edwardian Britain: Edwardians at Play-Sporting pursuits & 1908 London Olympics
