History Daily: The Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower

Hosted by Lindsey Graham

Introduction

In this episode of History Daily, host Lindsay Graham delves into the fascinating story behind one of the world's most iconic landmarks—the Eiffel Tower. Released on March 31, 2025, this episode meticulously traces the tower's inception, design challenges, construction, public opposition, inauguration, and enduring legacy. Through engaging narratives and insightful discussions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how the Eiffel Tower transformed from a controversial proposal into a beloved symbol of French ingenuity and artistry.

Origins and Design: The Birth of a Monument

The journey begins in May 1884, five years before the Eiffel Tower's grand unveiling. A young engineer named Maurice Caclon, working in Paris, grapples with the ambitious task of designing a monumental structure that would surpass existing landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Arc de Triomphe. Maurice's initial sketches reveal his doubts about the feasibility of constructing a 300-meter tall tower capable of withstanding Parisian winds.

Maurice contemplates various design alternatives, ultimately arriving at a solution that leverages wrought iron for its lightweight and cost-effective properties. His design features four lattice girders that converge at the top, interconnected by metal trusses. This innovative approach not only addresses structural concerns but also reduces wind resistance, making the towering edifice both practical and visually striking. Excited by his breakthrough, Maurice presents his design—originally named the Great Pylon—to his mentor and boss, Gustave Eiffel.

Competition and Selection: Securing the World's Fair

Gustave Eiffel, a respected civil engineer renowned for his railway bridges and viaducts, sees an opportunity to cement his legacy by participating in the 1889 World's Fair held in Paris. The French government had initiated a competition to design a centerpiece for the fair, aiming to celebrate the nation's centennial of the French Revolution by showcasing its industrial prowess and artistic excellence.

Upon reviewing Maurice and Émile Nougier's submission, Eiffel initially reacts with skepticism, questioning the unconventional design. However, intrigued by its uniqueness, he commissions further studies, which confirm the tower's structural viability. Recognizing its potential, Eiffel renames the monument the Eiffel Tower and officially submits it to the competition.

The proposal catches the attention of French President Jules Grévy and Minister of Trade Édouard Locroy, both of whom are impressed by the tower's unprecedented height and engineering marvel. By summer 1885, Eiffel's design triumphs over other contenders, securing the honor to be the centerpiece of the upcoming World's Fair.

Construction and Opposition: Rising Above Criticism

Construction of the Eiffel Tower commences in January 1887 at the Champ de Mars, a sprawling green space in central Paris. Over two years, the tower rises steadily, with 73,000 tons of iron, two and a half million rivets, and 60 tons of paint meticulously assembled by hundreds of skilled workers. Gustave Eiffel oversees the project with unwavering dedication, viewing the tower as the pinnacle of his career.

Despite the technical success, the project faces significant opposition from influential figures in the arts and architecture communities. By February 1887, a group of 300 prominent writers, artists, and architects form the Committee of 300, vehemently opposing the tower's construction. Notable dissenters like Charles Garnier and Guy de Maupassant publish a scathing letter in Le Temps, decrying the Eiffel Tower as a "useless and monstrous" structure that mars Paris's skyline. Accompanied by derogatory cartoons mocking Eiffel, the opposition fuels public debate about the tower's aesthetic and cultural value.

In response to the criticism, Eiffel pens a defensive letter published in Le Temps on February 14, 1887. He asserts, "My tower will be the tallest edifice ever erected by man," emphasizing the monument's architectural brilliance and its role in advancing engineering science. This statement, captured at [12:31], underscores Eiffel's determination to vindicate his vision amid growing skepticism.

Inauguration: Victory Amidst Controversy

As construction progresses, public sentiment begins to shift. By December 1888, over two-thirds of the Eiffel Tower is completed, and its imposing presence becomes a focal point of admiration. Witnesses describe the construction process poetically, noting how "with each blow came a shower of sparks, as if they were reaping lightning bolts in the clouds" ([12:31]), illustrating the tower's awe-inspiring ascent.

On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower officially opens to the world. Gustave Eiffel leads a delegation of dignitaries to the summit, where he proudly displays key structural details and highlights the tower's engineering feats. As Eiffel raises the French flag, soldiers fire a 21-gun salute, marking the tower's inauguration. The crowd's "heartfelt support" ([12:31]) signals a triumphant acceptance of the monument.

The Eiffel Tower serves as the centerpiece of the 1889 World's Fair, attracting millions of visitors and solidifying its status as a symbol of French progress. A memorable moment during the fair is Eiffel's private tour with the renowned American inventor Thomas Edison, who praises the tower as a "gigantic and original specimen of modern engineering" ([12:31]).

Legacy and Survival: Ensuring Eternal Eminence

Despite its burgeoning popularity, the Eiffel Tower was initially intended to be a temporary structure, slated for dismantling after 20 years. Facing the prospect of losing his masterpiece, Gustave Eiffel sought ways to demonstrate the tower's practical utility. His efforts culminate in a pivotal moment on November 5, 1898, when Eiffel collaborates with scientist Eugène Ducretet to showcase the tower's capability for wireless telegraphy.

During a groundbreaking experiment, Ducretet successfully transmits wireless signals from the Eiffel Tower to the Pantheon of Paris, validating the tower's potential as a hub for emerging communication technologies. This achievement convinces the Paris City Council to extend the tower's permit indefinitely, ensuring its preservation ([19:42]).

The Eiffel Tower's role in advancing wireless communication is further cemented during World War I, where it serves as a crucial transmitter for military communications. The tower remains the world's tallest building until 1930, when it is surpassed by New York's Chrysler Building. Today, the Eiffel Tower stands as the most visited monument in the world, drawing approximately 7 million visitors annually. It embodies not only French engineering excellence but also the nation's artistic and cultural spirit, fulfilling Gustave Eiffel's original vision.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Eiffel Tower is a testament to visionary engineering, resilience in the face of criticism, and the enduring impact of iconic structures on national identity. From Maurice Caclon's initial sketches to Gustave Eiffel's unwavering dedication, the tower's story is one of innovation, controversy, and ultimate triumph. Today, the Eiffel Tower continues to inspire awe and admiration, standing as a beloved symbol of Paris and a beacon of human ingenuity.

Notable Quotes

• Gustave Eiffel ([12:31]): "My tower will be the tallest edifice ever erected by man."

• Thomas Edison ([12:31]): "A gigantic and original specimen of modern engineering."

• Lindsey Graham ([00:19]): "History is made every day on this podcast."

Credits

• Host: Lindsey Graham
• Executive Producers: Steven Walters (Airship) and Pascal Hues (Noiser)
• Audio Editing: Molly Bogg
• Music and Sound Design: Lindsey Graham
• Written and Researched by: Joe Viner

Stay Tuned

Next on History Daily, released April 1, 1978, the composer John Cage gives an impromptu performance of his most famous work. Don’t miss it!

This episode was brought to you by Wondery, Noiser, and our generous sponsors.