What role did France play in the development of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)?

France played a crucial role in the development of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The modern Olympic Games were founded by Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a Frenchman who was inspired by the ancient Olympic Games and the British tradition of sporting festivals. Coubertin believed that sports could be used to promote international understanding and peace, and he founded the IOC in 1894 to oversee the organization of the Olympic Games.

The IOC was established at the Sorbonne in Paris, with Coubertin serving as its first president. The first modern Olympic Games were held two years later, in Athens, Greece. Since then, the IOC has grown into a major international organization, responsible for the organization and regulation of the Olympic Games and the promotion of Olympic values worldwide.

In addition to founding the IOC, France has also hosted the Olympic Games several times. The 1900 and 1924 Summer Olympics were held in Paris, and the 1968 Winter Olympics were held in Grenoble. France will also host the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.