 In 1878 Paul Decauville was given permission to build the Jardin d'Acclimatation railway in order to demonstrate passenger transport operations on his railway system during the Exposition Universelle of 1878.The French military became interested in the Decauville system as early as 1888 and chose the gauge track to equip its strongholds and to carry artillery pieces and ammunition during military campaigns.Decauville track was used during the French military expeditions to Madagascar and Morocco.