How Did The Eiffel Tower Survive Two World Wars?
Many other cultural landmarks were not so lucky
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. It is a shining symbol of France and has become the enduring beacon of Parisian pride. Such symbols often make valuable targets in times of war. What better way to demoralize the French population than by destroying one of its greatest symbols? Despite that, the Eiffel Tower weathered not one but two world wars — the two worst wars in history. In both World War I and World War II, Paris was a juicy target and the goal of multiple military campaigns. Through it all, the Eiffel Tower managed not only to survive but also stand strong.
So, how did the Eiffel Tower manage to survive? Were there efforts to destroy the Eiffel Tower and deliver a gruesome blow to French morale?
World War I
The earliest threat to the Eiffel Tower came not from without but from within. In the earliest days of World War I, the German army came within thirty miles of the French capital. With hundreds of thousands of well trained troops bearing down on the capital, there were plans in place to destroy the city’s infrastructure to deny it to the Germans. This is a common feature of war. The bridges were rigged with explosives, the rolling stock (train cars) was…
