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The Arc de Triomphe in Paris is an iconic structure located in the French capital, standing in the Place Charles de Gaulle at the western end of the Champs-Élysées.

Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile

Its official name is the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile (Arch of Triumph of the Star). Étoile means "star" in French, which comes from the fact that twelve avenues radiate outwards from the arch's center.

Construction Background

The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. Although construction began in 1806, the work was interrupted due to Napoleon's downfall and political instability, and it was finally completed in 1836.

The arch's completion took place during the reign of King Louis-Philippe, and it was inaugurated on July 29, 1836. In 1840, a ceremonial procession took place where Napoleon's remains were passed beneath the arch after being returned from Saint Helena.

Structure and Design

The Arc de Triomphe is a massive arch, measuring approximately 50 meters (164 feet) high, 45 meters (148 feet) wide, and 22 meters (72 feet) deep. It was designed by Jean-François Chalgrin, modeled after ancient Roman triumphal arches. Engraved on the arch's surface are the names of important battles from the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, as well as the names of military leaders.

Built as the Symbol of the World's Fair
The Eiffel Tower was constructed as a commemorative tower for the Paris Universal Exposition (World's Fair) held in 1889. From the design proposals for a commemorative tower publicly solicited by the French government at the time, the steel-framed tower design by the architect Gustave Eiffel was selected.

Innovative Design and Construction Technology
The Eiffel Tower's design is characterized by its arched, lacework structure. This structure was revolutionary, making it less susceptible to wind and highly resistant to earthquakes. The most advanced construction technology of the era was employed, allowing it to be completed in a remarkably short period of just 2 years and 2 months.

From Temporary Existence to Permanent Preservation
Initially, the Eiffel Tower was designated to stand for only 20 years, but its practical use as a radio transmission tower was recognized, leading to the decision for its permanent preservation in 1909. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1991 and became a leading tourist attraction in Paris.

Height and Structure
The Eiffel Tower stands 324m tall, boasting the title of the world's tallest structure upon its completion. The total weight of the steel framework reaches 7,300 tons, and its colossal structure overwhelmed the people of that time. It remains one of the world's most famous steel-framed buildings today.

The Eiffel Tower was built as the symbol of the World's Fair, but its innovative design and construction technology, along with its symbolic presence, continue to fascinate many people as a leading tourist attraction in Paris.

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From the time of its construction, the Eiffel Tower was anticipated for military use. The development of its military application is as follows:

As an Experiment Site for Wireless Communication
In 1904, the Eiffel Tower was proposed by Gustave Ferrié, a French military communication officer, to be used for the transmission and reception of military radio waves. The 324m-high tower was the optimal site for wireless communication experiments at the time.

Utilization during World War I
During World War I, the Eiffel Tower served as a crucial wireless communication base for the French military. It played an important role in jamming German wireless communications and transmitting and receiving French military orders.

From the Brink of Demolition to Permanent Preservation
Although the Eiffel Tower was originally intended for a temporary existence of 20 years, its importance for military use was recognized, leading to the decision for its permanent preservation in 1909. It is highly likely that it would have been dismantled had it not been for its military utility.

Military Use Continues Even Today
Even in the modern era, the Eiffel Tower functions as a hub for military communications. While it is utilized as a tourist facility during peacetime, military use takes priority in times of emergency.

Thus, the Eiffel Tower was anticipated for military use from its construction and actively contributed during World War I. It can be said that its military importance led to the tower's permanent preservation.