The header image can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockfight.
History of Sports in Colonial America
Early American settlers faced tensions for participating in sports which were against the values that certain men held like Governor William Bradford. However, many settlers still held onto the sporting ways that they had grown accustomed to in England.
Many of the settlers lived far away from one another; this made it difficult to get together and take part in various sporting events. In England, they lived closer together which made it easier to get for the people to come together and participate in various events. In colonial America, sports or games would only take place when certain factors fell in line with one another. These factors included times of increased wealth, populations, and growth of cities.
Sports or games were commonly played during holidays or celebrations (Christmas, Easter, Sundays, etc). Some games that were played included: stool ball, foot races, quoits (similar to horse shoes), and skittles and nine pins (bowling). These games allowed single men to show off and impress women at the same time. They also loved to participate in violent games or sports. They would take part in wrestling, cockfighting, and baiting bulls. Football was also very popular (their version is not at all like the modern day version).
Sports events or games allowed for colonists to "escape" some of the hardships of daily life (diseases, famine, work). They also allowed for mating rituals and courtship. These games also allowed for people to express their anger in a socially acceptable way. It is alright to beat some one up in a game, but it is not alright to do that outside of the game. Lastly, they allowed for cities to get together and show their support for one another; this allowed for the city to become unified.
The Founding Fathers felt that Americans should stay from luxurious things, such as sports, and that they should focus on being frugal beings. However, George Washington did encourage certain games such as: bowling, cricket, shinny (field hockey), fives (handball), and a certain form of football. Participating in these events allowed for the soldiers to get exercise and "escape" from the hardships of war.
Many of the settlers lived far away from one another; this made it difficult to get together and take part in various sporting events. In England, they lived closer together which made it easier to get for the people to come together and participate in various events. In colonial America, sports or games would only take place when certain factors fell in line with one another. These factors included times of increased wealth, populations, and growth of cities.
Sports or games were commonly played during holidays or celebrations (Christmas, Easter, Sundays, etc). Some games that were played included: stool ball, foot races, quoits (similar to horse shoes), and skittles and nine pins (bowling). These games allowed single men to show off and impress women at the same time. They also loved to participate in violent games or sports. They would take part in wrestling, cockfighting, and baiting bulls. Football was also very popular (their version is not at all like the modern day version).
Sports events or games allowed for colonists to "escape" some of the hardships of daily life (diseases, famine, work). They also allowed for mating rituals and courtship. These games also allowed for people to express their anger in a socially acceptable way. It is alright to beat some one up in a game, but it is not alright to do that outside of the game. Lastly, they allowed for cities to get together and show their support for one another; this allowed for the city to become unified.
The Founding Fathers felt that Americans should stay from luxurious things, such as sports, and that they should focus on being frugal beings. However, George Washington did encourage certain games such as: bowling, cricket, shinny (field hockey), fives (handball), and a certain form of football. Participating in these events allowed for the soldiers to get exercise and "escape" from the hardships of war.