The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous icons in the world.
It’s the crown jewel of France and is one of the leading drivers of French tourism.
It’s also one of the architectural wonders of the world.
For almost forty years it stood as the tallest man made structure in the world. Its bright lights in the evenings make it a stunning sight to witness.
Here are some facts and figures making up the story of the Eiffel tower:
Why was the Eiffel Tower Built?
There are many historical reasons why this magnificent structure was built. The most well-known and the true reason is that it was built to cheer up the world exhibition commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the French revolution. The French revolution is a very important event in French history, as it was responsible for abolishing dictatorship and welcoming in democracy.
The French people and officials wanted to remember the 100 year anniversary by doing something different for their country. They wanted to improve the quality of life in Paris and all over France. Many suggestions were given suggesting that the country build a new and beautiful building to commemorate the anniversary. A number of designers, engineers and architects presented their designs ideas. Among them, the design of Gustavo Eiffel was selected as the winner. It was opposed by many people, but with the determination of Eiffel the design won out.
Another reason it was built was due to the promising nature of its design. The height of the Eiffel tower allowed for practical experiments related to air pressure, temperature and radio telegraphy. In fact, the major reason for its design was so that it could be used as a radio transmission tower. After the expiration of its first lease, many people wanted to demolish it, but politicians wanted to retain it for radio transmission.
One of the other reasons that the Eiffel Tower was built was to create a history that illustrated the purpose of the Paris Exposition. During this time, the Eiffel Tower would have been the tallest building in the entire world. This swayed many leaders in France to choose this design over others and ultimately erect the building as it stands today.
Designing and Construction of the Eiffel tower:
The construction of the Eiffel Tower involved tremendous effort from the Eiffel and with his companions; Maurice Koechlin (a structural expert) and many other metal experts. After much debate, the final design was ready. It involved 18,000 pieces of puddle iron, a kind of wrought iron used in construction, and 2.5 million rivets. More than 500 workers worked for 2 years to assemble the framework of this iconic tower. At the end, it stood at a height of 10,000 feet and was the tallest building in the world (though this is no longer the case).
Parisians Reaction to the Great tower:
Initially, many Parisians literally hated the tower. They considered it to be structurally unsound and an eyesore in their city. The famous novelist Guy de Maupassant hated it so much that he wanted to avoid seeing the tower and would therefore dine at the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower so that he could avoid looking at it directly.
What is the Eiffel Tower Today?
The Eiffel Tower is now the most important landmark in France. It has become a permanent feature of the Paris skyline. A major part of Paris’ revenue is generated by tourism geared towards visiting the Eiffel Tower. Many people from many parts of the world come to see it and it’s become commonly referred to as the Tower of Love.
The scenic beauty from the top is enough to drive you mad. A trip to the Eiffel Tower is something that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!