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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Quick takeaways
The Eiffel Tower's construction faced initial skepticism and opposition from influential artists, but it ultimately became a symbol of French innovation.
Inaugurated on March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower celebrated the spirit of the French Revolution while also representing Paris's architectural evolution.
Deep dives
The Storming of the Bastille
On July 14, 1789, an angry mob descended upon the Bastille in Paris, filled with a sense of desperation and anger toward the oppressive monarchical system. Among the crowd was a young laborer who, along with his fellow workers, felt the unbearable strain of poverty while the bourgeoisie thrived in luxury. Their march to the Bastille represented a significant moment of defiance, culminating in the break-in where the mob dismantled the defenses and took control of the prison. This dramatic event signified the start of a revolution that would eventually lead to the establishment of France as a republic, embodying the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Designing the Eiffel Tower
In May 1884, an engineer named Maurice Caclon began sketching plans for a monumental structure that would ultimately become the Eiffel Tower. Initially doubtful of its feasibility, Maurice's design with its lattice structure addressed the concerns of weight and wind resistance. Along with another engineer, Emile Nouguer, they presented their idea, initially dismissed by Gustave Eiffel as bizarre. However, after further contemplation, Eiffel recognized its potential and commissioned the duo to refine their design, which would eventually be named after him.
The Eiffel Tower Protests
As construction of the Eiffel Tower progressed, it met significant opposition from a group of prominent artists and writers who formed the Committee of 300. They publicly criticized the structure, deeming it a 'monstrous' addition to the Parisian skyline, and their outcry was covered extensively in newspapers. Despite the negative sentiment and personal attacks against Gustave Eiffel, he remained undeterred and continued the construction, gaining public admiration as the tower neared completion. By the time it was inaugurated on March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower had transformed from a controversial structure to an iconic symbol of French ingenuity and artistic expression.
March 31, 1889. After four years of planning and construction, the Eiffel Tower is completed in Paris and inaugurated on the anniversary of the French Revolution. This episode originally aired in 2022.
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