Ep 32. The Eiffel Tower

Modern Marvels: Engineering season 1 episode 32, titled "The Eiffel Tower," takes viewers on a journey to explore the iconic structure that has come to symbolize not just Paris, but France as a whole. The episode delves into the history of the tower, its construction and engineering, and its enduring appeal as a tourist attraction.

The Eiffel Tower was built in the late 19th century as part of the 1889 World's Fair, which was held in Paris to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer who had already made a name for himself with his innovative bridge designs. Eiffel won the contract to build the tower after beating out more than 100 other proposals, and construction began in 1887.

The episode explores the engineering challenges that Eiffel faced as he designed and built the tower. At the time, no one had ever built a structure of this height before, and Eiffel had to come up with new methods of construction to ensure the tower's stability. He ultimately settled on a design that consisted of four legs, each made of curved latticework, that converged at the top to form a single point. The legs were connected by a system of diagonal braces that helped to distribute the weight of the tower evenly.

The episode also looks at the materials that Eiffel used to build the tower. The legs were made of wrought iron, a material that was strong enough to support the tower's weight but also lightweight enough to be transported to the construction site. Eiffel also used innovative techniques to join the various pieces of the tower together, such as riveting and welding.

As construction on the tower progressed, it quickly became apparent that the tower was going to be much more than just a functional structure. The episode explores the reactions of Parisians to the tower, which ranged from admiration to outright hostility. Some viewed the tower as a symbol of French engineering prowess and national pride, while others saw it as an eyesore that ruined the city's skyline.

Despite the controversy surrounding the tower, it quickly became a hit with tourists. The episode examines the ways in which the tower has been marketed as a tourist attraction over the years, from the elaborate lighting displays that were used to illuminate the tower in the early 20th century to the modern-day elevators that whisk visitors up to the top of the tower in just a few seconds.

Overall, "The Eiffel Tower" is a fascinating look at one of the world's most iconic structures. Whether you're an engineering enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beautiful architecture, this episode is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the tower and the man who built it.