Why Did the French Hate the Eiffel Tower When It Was Built?



The Eiffel Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is a symbol of France, its culture, and its history. But did you know that when it was first built, many French people hated it and wanted it to be torn down?

The Origin of the Eiffel Tower



The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a famous engineer who specialized in building bridges and metal structures. He submitted his proposal for a 300-meter (984-foot) tower made of iron to a competition organized by the French government for the International Exposition of 1889. The exposition was meant to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and showcase the achievements of France and other nations.


Eiffel's design was chosen among more than 100 entries, and he was given permission to build his tower on the Champ de Mars, a large public park near the Seine River. He hired about 250 workers and spent two years constructing the tower, using more than 18,000 pieces of metal and 2.5 million rivets. The tower was completed in March 1889, just in time for the opening of the exposition.

The Controversy over the Eiffel Tower

However, not everyone was impressed by Eiffel's creation. Many French artists, writers, architects, and intellectuals criticized the tower as an ugly and useless monstrosity that ruined the beauty and harmony of Paris. They published a petition in a newspaper called Le Temps, denouncing the tower as "a gigantic black factory chimney" that "dominates Paris like a barbaric column". They argued that the tower was an insult to the artistic and historical heritage of France, and that it would overshadow other monuments such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe. They also feared that the tower would attract lightning strikes and endanger the safety of Parisians.


Some of the most prominent names who signed the petition were Alexandre Dumas, Guy de Maupassant, Charles Gounod, Victor Hugo, and Emile Zola. They appealed to the Minister of Public Works and the City Council to stop the construction of the tower or at least limit its duration. They suggested that the tower should be dismantled after 20 years, which was the original plan of Eiffel.

The Legacy of the Eiffel Tower



Despite the opposition, Eiffel defended his tower as a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of progress and modernity. He argued that the tower was not only beautiful but also useful, as it served as an observation platform, a meteorological station, a radio transmitter, and a scientific laboratory. He also invited many celebrities and dignitaries to visit his tower, such as Thomas Edison, Buffalo Bill, Sarah Bernhardt, and Prince Albert of Monaco.

Gradually, public opinion changed and people began to appreciate the tower for its elegance and originality. The tower became a popular attraction during the exposition, attracting more than two million visitors. It also received praise from foreign visitors and journalists, who admired its boldness and innovation. The tower also inspired other architects and engineers to create similar structures around the world, such as the Blackpool Tower in England, the Tokyo Tower in Japan, and the CN Tower in Canada.



The tower also proved its usefulness during World War I and World War II, when it served as a military communication device that helped intercept enemy messages and coordinate allied forces. The tower also survived several attempts to destroy it by German soldiers and French collaborators.

Today, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited monuments in the world, attracting more than seven million visitors every year. It is a symbol of France, its culture, and its history. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural icon that has been featured in many movies, books, songs, and artworks.

The Eiffel Tower is a testament to the vision and genius of Gustave Eiffel, who transformed a controversial project into a beloved landmark. It is also a reminder of how public opinion can change over time, and how beauty can be found in unexpected places.

The next time you visit Paris, don't miss the opportunity to see the Eiffel Tower for yourself. You might be surprised by how much you love it.😊

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