Final answer:
In the late 1800s, physical education was influenced by health reformers, romanticism, and democratic principles in education, as well as the rise of sports celebrities and intercollegiate sports which celebrated physical prowess.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 1800s, the greatest influence on the direction of physical education came from individuals with a background in various areas including health reform, romanticism, and the early stirrings of the progressive movement concerned with public health and education. Reformers like Sylvester Graham promoted the importance of exercise, fresh air, and diet for better health. Meanwhile, ideas stemming from romanticism and a shift towards greater democracy and individual merit in the educational sphere began to influence thoughts on physical education. These changes coincided with broader social reforms that sought to improve living conditions and education for all social classes.
The late 1800s saw a number of key figures and movements. Health reformers, alongside phrenologists, contributed to the popularity of physical education by emphasizing the connection between physical well-being and mental acuity. Additionally, socio-educational reformers, inspired by the likes of Horace Mann, pushed for public education to include not just academic learning but also teaching morality and discipline through physical education classes.
Furthermore, the rise of sports celebrities like Jim Thorpe and the proliferation of college sports sparked interest in athletics and physical education. The public success of these sports figures helped to strengthen the cultural value placed on physical fitness and athleticism, further shaping the direction of physical education during that era.