Colegio Nacional and Universidad Nacional de La Plata: Joaquin V. González's contributions in the establishment of the university in La Plata

Abstract

This paper addresses some of the contributions of Joaquin V. González, Minister of Justice and Public Instruction (1904-1906) and founder of the National University of La Plata. Starting with an overview of the history of the National School and its inclusion as part of the University, the paper explores the importance of Physical Education in a context of nationalization and how the Minister conceived and developed his idea of students leading a physical and hygienic life, both in the school and the university. Gonzalez's vision was innovative and reflected a new way of seeing physical education, which resulted in major changes. Since the National University had an ideological framework different from other universities, the paper will also focus on how it tried to distance itself from a conservative order to include students from different backgrounds through, among others, a boarding school, corporal practices and outdoor games.