The Eiffel Tower, built in 1889, was an engineering marvel that still stands strong more than 120 years later. King Edward VII of England suggested the tower be built, accepting over 700 proposals submitted in a design competition. Out of those 700 proposals, Gustave Eiffel’s design was unanimously chosen. Gustave was a scientist who studied meteorology and wanted to be able to study the effects of wind and weather as well; starting what would become modern day aerodynamics. He designed the tower to be an observation tower to measure the speed of the wind. He also envisioned an automatic device that would slide vertically between the first and second levels, coming up with a vision for the elevator that would eventually be used in the tower.
The Tower contributed many great things to our world, receiving radio signals for the first time in 1898. It was the tallest building in the world until 1930. The tower served as a main telegraphing antenna and station during WWI. To this day over 7.5 kilowatt hours are used to power the structure annually, with 580 thousand used exclusively to illuminate it. The tower also uses over 2 tons of paper for tickets each year, 400 liters of metal cleaner, and 25,000 garbage bags a year.
It is amazing how one persons dream can become a beginning of dreams for others. The Eiffel tower not only seems to symbolize power, but also romance, strength, and beauty. So many love stories and movie scenes have used the tower to emphasize on their stories. I've often wondered if the view from the bottom or the top would be more interesting. Looking up at this amazing structure reaching toward the heavens must take a persons breath away. With an outstanding 1665 stairs, no wonder Mr. Eiffel envisioned an automatic device to take people to the yip. Once meant to be temporary, this structure has helped add finesse to France, and will continue to for years to come.
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