Her Majesty The Eiffel Tower: a short story

The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.

Its story began in the late 19th century when the French government decided to hold an international exposition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The exposition was planned for 1889, and the organizers wanted to build a grand monument to showcase France’s technological prowess.

The winning design for the monument was submitted by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer who had already made a name for himself with his innovative iron bridges. Eiffel’s design was a 300-meter tall tower made of wrought iron that would become the tallest structure in the world at the time.

Construction on the Eiffel Tower began in 1887, and it took two years to complete. The tower was built using over 18,000 pieces of iron and 2.5 million rivets. At the time, the construction of the tower was considered a technological marvel, as it used advanced techniques like hydraulic lifts and steam-powered cranes.

The tower was officially opened on March 31, 1889, and it immediately became a sensation. Visitors from all over the world flocked to see the tower and take in the panoramic views of Paris from its observation decks. It was meant to be a temporary structure, but its popularity ensured that it would remain a permanent fixture on the Paris skyline.

Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has been used for a variety of purposes. It was used as a radio transmitter in the early 20th century, and during World War II, it served as a key observation post for the French Resistance. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, with millions of visitors coming to see it every year.

Despite its initial controversy, the Eiffel Tower has become an enduring symbol of France and a testament to human ingenuity and engineering.