To many French observers, the Franco-Prussian war of 1870 illustrated that the French soldiers were, among others, physically unprepared compared to their opponents. This supposed lack of physical readiness influenced the thoughts of Pierre de Coubertin - eventually leading to the creation of the modern Olympic Games. The French military also influenced, and in 1885 it formed the Union des sociétés d’instruction militaire de France (USPMF). It governed clubs that were similar to gymnastic clubs (sometimes they were the same clubs), but in addition to physical exercise, many of the activities were clearly in preparation for young men to join the military.
In 1887, the USPMF held it’s first annual feast at the Tuileries Garden. This competition would continue to be held throughout World War I and was last held in 1939. The 1900 edition was considered part of the sports activities of the 1900 Universal Exposition, and thus the 1900 Olympic Games.