This research paper examines the relationship between two educational reforms: Pierre de Coubertin’s (1863-1973), with its ambitious “Rebroncer la France” , and the reform for the renovation of Spain launched by the Free Institute of Education (ILE).
With this aim, different primary sources are studied. Among others, the following ones stand out: the correspondence between Coubertin, Giner de los Ríos and Bartolomé Cossío, from 1888 to 1899, and the correspondence between Giner de los Ríos and Aniceto Sela, who was the Spanish spokesman at the 1894 Paris Sorbonne Congress; but also the Bulletin of the ILE, the organ that disseminated its ideals, and Coubertin's own writings.
This research paper includes part of our findings and points out some of the coincidences between both initiatives of social reform. They both promoted a significant renovation of the education of citizens, with special attention to physical exercise, games and sport.