Gustave Eiffel; Civil engineer
By: Tyler Diehl
Childhood
Gustave Eiffel was born in Dijon, France in 1832. He grew up most of his life sedentary, not moving around. His father was an ex soldier and his mother owned a successful charcoal business. He spent most of his time with his uncle who was a chemist. His uncle would fill his head with knowledge and crazy stuff, and Gustave was greatly influenced by him. Eiffel's uncle didn't necessarily inspire him to build the eiffel but he inspired him to be himself. His uncle would be cut off by his mom, making Gustave not see him much after.
School life
Gustave Eiffel grew up bored of his classes, but when he was introduced to History and Literature, he began to like school. He graduated high school and went to Polytechnique and Ecole des Arts et Manufactures. He graduated as a chemist but never really did that.
Career as an Engineer
Gustave had many jobs, but most were based around him being a civil engineer. He mainly designed bridges for small companies. He then created his own company. His company was offered a contract to build an arch for the world fair in Paris, France. It was the 100th anniversary of the french revolution, and they wanted something amazing. He designed a huge arch that is toured every day and has had 250 million visitors. Eiffel also helped develop the skeleton of the Statue of Liberty which was a gift for the United States from France. His career was a result of the industrial revolution and inspires many people today.
Eiffel tower
The Eiffel tower was probably his most famous creation and his best. It made him famous even though he'll always be in the shadow of his tower. The Eiffel tower is a steel arch that was originally supposed to be used for the World Fair in France.
Effects of his legacy
The Eiffel tower has had 250 million visitors since its launch in 1889. If it never would've been built, France's tourism and profit from foreign people would be way down. Many people today try to compete and make better structures than his. 100+ years difference and it is still one of the most awe-inducing things ever made.
Life during career/Death
Gustave Eiffel did have a life other than designing amazing structures. He married Mary Guadelet and had 5 children. He lived in Paris where his creation lives too. He lived happily until he died in 1923, in paris, from natural causes. He lived 91 years and shocked the world with what he could do.
"I ought to be jealous of the tower. She is more famous than I am."