History Daily The Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower
Mar 31, 2025
Explore the intriguing journey of the Eiffel Tower's construction, a symbol born amid skepticism and fierce opposition. Understand how its inauguration coincided with the anniversary of the French Revolution, marking a powerful moment in French identity. Discover Gustave Eiffel's anxiety about public acceptance and how he fought to secure the tower's legacy. Dive into its vital role in military communications during World War I, transforming it from a controversial structure into an enduring icon of innovation and national pride.
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Storming of the Bastille
- During the French Revolution, a laborer joined a mob storming the Bastille.
- This event symbolized the French Revolution's climax, where workers fought against the monarchy.
Eiffel Tower's Initial Controversy
- The Eiffel Tower, built a century after the French Revolution, was meant to symbolize France's progress as a republic.
- Initially, it caused controversy and disagreement before its inauguration on March 31, 1889.
The Design and Naming of the Eiffel Tower
- Maurice Koechlin designed the Eiffel Tower, initially called "The Great Pylon."
- Gustave Eiffel, initially unimpressed, later bought the design's rights and renamed it.