Final answer:
In 1892, George Ferris designed the Ferris wheel to rival the Eiffel Tower as a public structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is History. It is asking about the reason why Americans wanted a public structure to rival the Eiffel Tower and the engineer who designed the Ferris wheel.
In 1892, George Ferris, an engineer, designed and constructed the first Ferris wheel as a response to Americans' desire for a public structure to rival the Eiffel Tower. The Ferris wheel was built to be a centerpiece for the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago.
While the Ferris wheel was not as tall as the Eiffel Tower, it was a unique and innovative structure that captured the public's imagination and became an iconic symbol of American engineering prowess.