Excerpt
Introduction
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. People travel from all over just to stand beneath it, take pictures, and climb to the top for an incredible view of Paris. But why is a tower made of iron such a big deal? Why do millions of people visit it every year? And what makes it so special that it has become a symbol of France itself?
To start, the Eiffel Tower wasn’t always loved the way it is today. When it was first built, some people thought it was ugly. Others worried it would ruin the beauty of Paris. Even some of the city’s most famous artists and writers wanted it taken down. Now, it’s hard to imagine Paris without it. It lights up the night sky, appears in movies, and is the first thing many people think of when they hear the word “France.”
Part of what makes the Eiffel Tower famous is its size. When it was completed in 1889, it was the tallest structure in the world. At 1,083 feet (330 meters) high, it stood taller than any building or monument that had ever been built. Before the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in the world was the Washington Monument in the United States, which is about 555 feet (169 meters) tall. The Eiffel Tower was almost twice that height! Today, it’s no longer the tallest structure in the world—many skyscrapers have surpassed it—but it was the first to reach such an incredible height, which made it a groundbreaking achievement.
Another reason for its fame is its design. Unlike most tall structures, which are made of stone or brick, the Eiffel Tower is built from iron. More than 18,000 iron pieces were carefully assembled to create its unique shape. If you look closely, you can see that it isn’t solid—it has an open, airy framework, almost like a giant metal puzzle. This design wasn’t just for looks; it was carefully planned to make the tower strong enough to withstand wind, storms, and even the expansion and contraction of metal in different temperatures. The iron expands slightly in the summer heat, causing the tower to grow a few inches taller, and shrinks back in the winter. It’s constantly changing, even if it doesn’t look like it.
The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a tourist attraction; it has also played an important role in history. When it was first built, people weren’t sure what to do with such a tall structure. But by the early 1900s, scientists realized it could be used for radio transmissions. The height of the tower allowed radio signals to reach much farther distances than ever before. This discovery was so important that it helped save the Eiffel Tower from being taken down. Originally, it was only supposed to stand for 20 years, but thanks to its usefulness for communication, it remained standing and became a permanent part of the Paris skyline.
Throughout history, the Eiffel Tower has also been a symbol of resilience. During World War I, French soldiers used the tower to send important messages, helping their country during a time of war. In World War II, when German forces occupied Paris, French resistance fighters cut the tower’s elevator cables to prevent enemy soldiers from using it. Even when the city was under enemy control, the tower stood tall, a reminder of the strength and determination of the people of France.
One of the reasons people love the Eiffel Tower so much today is the incredible experience of visiting it. You can climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top, where you can see all of Paris spread out below. On a clear day, you can see for miles. The view includes famous sights like the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. At night, the tower lights up with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a dazzling display that can be seen all over the city. The light show happens every evening, making the Eiffel Tower just as magical after sunset as it is during the day.
Because of its popularity, the Eiffel Tower has inspired many copies around the world. There are smaller versions in Las Vegas, Tokyo, and even a tiny replica in China. Some of these towers are meant to be exact copies, while others take inspiration from the original design. But no matter how many imitations are made, there’s only one real Eiffel Tower, and it remains one of the most visited landmarks on the planet.
One of the most interesting things about the Eiffel Tower is how it continues to change and evolve. Over the years, it has been repainted many times—about every seven years, workers apply a fresh coat of paint to protect the iron from rust. The tower has also been used for all kinds of creative projects. It has hosted concerts, sporting events, and even scientific experiments. People have parachuted from it, tightrope walked across it, and even proposed marriage at its highest point. It has become more than just a structure; it’s a part of culture, history, and even people’s personal lives.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. People travel from all over just to stand beneath it, take pictures, and climb to the top for an incredible view of Paris. But why is a tower made of iron such a big deal? Why do millions of people visit it every year? And what makes it so special that it has become a symbol of France itself?
To start, the Eiffel Tower wasn’t always loved the way it is today. When it was first built, some people thought it was ugly. Others worried it would ruin the beauty of Paris. Even some of the city’s most famous artists and writers wanted it taken down. Now, it’s hard to imagine Paris without it. It lights up the night sky, appears in movies, and is the first thing many people think of when they hear the word “France.”
Part of what makes the Eiffel Tower famous is its size. When it was completed in 1889, it was the tallest structure in the world. At 1,083 feet (330 meters) high, it stood taller than any building or monument that had ever been built. Before the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in the world was the Washington Monument in the United States, which is about 555 feet (169 meters) tall. The Eiffel Tower was almost twice that height! Today, it’s no longer the tallest structure in the world—many skyscrapers have surpassed it—but it was the first to reach such an incredible height, which made it a groundbreaking achievement.
Another reason for its fame is its design. Unlike most tall structures, which are made of stone or brick, the Eiffel Tower is built from iron. More than 18,000 iron pieces were carefully assembled to create its unique shape. If you look closely, you can see that it isn’t solid—it has an open, airy framework, almost like a giant metal puzzle. This design wasn’t just for looks; it was carefully planned to make the tower strong enough to withstand wind, storms, and even the expansion and contraction of metal in different temperatures. The iron expands slightly in the summer heat, causing the tower to grow a few inches taller, and shrinks back in the winter. It’s constantly changing, even if it doesn’t look like it.
The Eiffel Tower isn’t just a tourist attraction; it has also played an important role in history. When it was first built, people weren’t sure what to do with such a tall structure. But by the early 1900s, scientists realized it could be used for radio transmissions. The height of the tower allowed radio signals to reach much farther distances than ever before. This discovery was so important that it helped save the Eiffel Tower from being taken down. Originally, it was only supposed to stand for 20 years, but thanks to its usefulness for communication, it remained standing and became a permanent part of the Paris skyline.
Throughout history, the Eiffel Tower has also been a symbol of resilience. During World War I, French soldiers used the tower to send important messages, helping their country during a time of war. In World War II, when German forces occupied Paris, French resistance fighters cut the tower’s elevator cables to prevent enemy soldiers from using it. Even when the city was under enemy control, the tower stood tall, a reminder of the strength and determination of the people of France.
One of the reasons people love the Eiffel Tower so much today is the incredible experience of visiting it. You can climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top, where you can see all of Paris spread out below. On a clear day, you can see for miles. The view includes famous sights like the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. At night, the tower lights up with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a dazzling display that can be seen all over the city. The light show happens every evening, making the Eiffel Tower just as magical after sunset as it is during the day.
Because of its popularity, the Eiffel Tower has inspired many copies around the world. There are smaller versions in Las Vegas, Tokyo, and even a tiny replica in China. Some of these towers are meant to be exact copies, while others take inspiration from the original design. But no matter how many imitations are made, there’s only one real Eiffel Tower, and it remains one of the most visited landmarks on the planet.
One of the most interesting things about the Eiffel Tower is how it continues to change and evolve. Over the years, it has been repainted many times—about every seven years, workers apply a fresh coat of paint to protect the iron from rust. The tower has also been used for all kinds of creative projects. It has hosted concerts, sporting events, and even scientific experiments. People have parachuted from it, tightrope walked across it, and even proposed marriage at its highest point. It has become more than just a structure; it’s a part of culture, history, and even people’s personal lives.