Final answer:
The Eiffel Tower began construction in January 1887 under the direction of famed engineer Gustave Eiffel and was completed in 1889. It stands as a symbol of industrial achievements during the Industrial Revolution using over 7,000 tons of iron and represents a pivotal moment in architectural history.
Step-by-step explanation:
Construction on the Eiffel Tower, a globally recognized symbol of Paris, France, began in January 1887. This impressive structure was built to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and was completed in 1889. Paris, the primate city where the Eiffel Tower is located, has been a center of culture and architecture starting as a citadel on an island in the Seine River.
Gustave Eiffel, a French engineer known for designing bridges and viaducts, was responsible for the creation of the Eiffel Tower. With his solid engineering background and reputation, Eiffel defended the aesthetic value of the tower by comparing it to the ancient pyramids of Egypt. At a time when the Industrial Revolution was changing societies and economies, the Eiffel Tower stood as a symbol of modern engineering and architectural prowess.
The tower's construction involved meticulous planning, with over 5,000 drawings produced, 100 workers making the parts, and another 130 assembling the 18,000 pieces on site. Over 7,000 tons of iron were used, establishing the tower as a pioneering use of metal in architecture. Completed ahead of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower amazed officials and the public alike and quickly became an icon of Paris.