The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 as a temporary arch to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. In addition, the arch is the entrance to the international fair, and was supposed to symbolize the superiority of the French science and technology over the other.
According to the creators, the tower was supposed to stand for 20 years and then be demolished. However, the plan was exceeded: the tourists all over the world so admired this structure that the Eiffel Tower has quickly become a symbol of France, and to bear it no longer make sense. By the way, it still is the most visited attraction in the world.
via factroom.ru