How engineers built the world's tallest structure in just over two years

Building the Eiffel Tower | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS · 54:00 · Video: NOVA PBS Official · Watch at the source

In short: Discover the engineering feats behind the Eiffel Tower. Completed for the 1889 World's Fair, this iron landmark shattered height records and launched a new era of global construction. This documentary examines the innovations, risks, and technical challenges that defined its creation.

The Eiffel Tower was constructed in slightly more than two years to serve as a centerpiece for the 1889 World's Fair. By surpassing all existing structures to become the tallest on Earth, it fundamentally changed the trajectory of modern architecture and large-scale building.

The project serves as a case study in both triumph and failure, highlighting the specific engineering breakthroughs required to reach such unprecedented heights. It remains a definitive example of how technical ambition can reshape a city's skyline and influence future global construction standards.

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