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Eiffel

Short answer: The Eiffel Tower is a wrought-iron lattice tower on the Champ de Mars in Paris, built by Gustave Eiffel's company as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair. During construction, a group of artists and intellectuals published a protest against it.

It was the world's tallest structure until the Chrysler Building in New York was completed in 1930. It stood 324 m (1,063 ft) with its antennas; new antennas brought it to about 330 m in 2022. It has become a global symbol of Paris and France. The footage shows the tower and a portrait of Gustave Eiffel, with the presenter.

VideoWrite-up1 sources

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What should you know about Eiffel?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. It was built for the 1889 World's Fair.

    DD-156-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (1889)

  2. It's a wrought-iron lattice tower.

    DD-156-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Wrought iron)

Video transcript: Eiffel: Leading Artists Once Petitioned Against the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower completed in 1889 as the entrance arch for the 1889 World's was initially criticized by some of France's leading artists and intellectuals for its design. However, over time it has become a symbol of Paris and is now globally recognized and appreciated for its architectural beauty and engineering. DID YOU KNOW? The lattice-like structure was not only a feat of engineering but also a nod to the principles of transparency and modernity. Standing at 324 meters or 1,063 the Eiffel Tower held the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 39.6s Reel ·

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Eiffel: Leading Artists Once Petitioned Against the Eiffel Tower Instagram Reel · · 39.6s

The write-up

Leading artists once petitioned against the Eiffel Tower. It was the world's tallest structure until 1930.

  1. Exhibit A

    1889

    It was built for the 1889 World's Fair.

  2. Exhibit B

    Wrought iron

    It's a wrought-iron lattice tower.

  3. Exhibit C

    Artists' protest

    Artists and intellectuals protested it.

  4. Exhibit D

    Tallest until 1930

    It was the tallest structure until 1930.

  5. Exhibit E

    Height

    It's about 330 m with antennas since 2022.

Questions people ask about Eiffel

For which event was the tower built?

The entrance arch.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (1889) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

What is it made of?

A lattice.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wrought iron) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

Who protested during construction?

They called it ugly.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Artists' protest) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

What took its tallest title in 1930?

In New York.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Tallest until 1930) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

About how tall is it now?

Including antennas.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Height) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. For which event was the tower built?

    1. The 1889 World's Fair
    2. The 1900 Olympics
    3. A royal wedding
    4. WWI
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. The 1889 World's Fair The entrance arch. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (1889) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

  2. What is it made of?

    1. Wrought iron
    2. Concrete
    3. Steel and glass
    4. Stone
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Wrought iron A lattice. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wrought iron) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

  3. Who protested during construction?

    1. Artists and intellectuals
    2. Sailors
    3. Farmers
    4. Engineers in America
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Artists and intellectuals They called it ugly. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Artists' protest) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

  4. What took its tallest title in 1930?

    1. The Chrysler Building
    2. The Empire State Building
    3. Big Ben
    4. The Burj Khalifa
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. The Chrysler Building In New York. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Tallest until 1930) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

  5. About how tall is it now?

    1. About 330 m
    2. About 33 m
    3. About 3,300 m
    4. About 100 m
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. About 330 m Including antennas. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Height) · Wikipedia: Eiffel Tower

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Eiffel." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-156, last updated Jan 2, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/eiffel/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/eiffel/ · Last updated

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Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-156-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/eiffel/#DD-156-F01

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