Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe was built in 1836 by Jean François Thérèse Chalgrin. It was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon, the French Emperor. In 1920, an unknown solider was buried underneath the arc to honor the soldiers who fought for France. This was a symbol of victory for France and Germans and the Allies, both who marched through the arch after victories as they entered Paris. The names of the 128 battles of the 1st French Republic and Napoleon’s Empire are written on the walls under the vault together with the names of the generals who took part in them. Today, the Arc de Triomphe served as a tourist spot. Inside, a small museum documents its history, architectural design, and construction. The price of admission includes entrance to the top of the arch and from the roof, spectacular views are yet to be seen!

Questions:
1. Who built the Arc de Triomphe?
2. In 1920, where was the unknown solider buried?
3. What is the Arc de Triomphe a symbol for?


Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. It was built for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889 in which it commemorated the centenary of the French Revolution. King Edward VII of England opened the tower. The Eiffel Tower was designed to be an observation tower and tourist attraction. The purpose of building this structure was to make it known to the world about the advancement of technology and beauty in France. Also, Eiffel Tower was used as a radio transmission tower. Many radio transmission experiments have been performed atop the tower. The Eiffel Tower still stands today as one of the world's most famous structures of all time. Upon its opening, two major elements contributed to the Tower's becoming an icon: size and shape; Today, in modern society, the Eiffel Tower has been the most visited site in France for at least 40 years. Approximately half of all visitors and tourists come to Paris and actually climb the Tower. It is also one of the most popular souvenirs bought in Paris.

Questions:
1. Who built the Eiffel Tower?
2. How tall is the Eiffel Tower?
3. What was the purpose of building the Eiffel Tower?

Work-Cited

“Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile.” Online: Discover France. 1997. 25 February 2010 .

“All you need to Know about the Eiffel Tower.” Online: La Tour Eiffel. 2008. 25 February 2010 .