Eiffel Tower - Opposition and Working Conditions

As the Eiffel Tower began to rise, a group of Parisian artists were upset about it.  They sent a letter, complaining that the project was in bad taste (among other things). 

Eiffel responded, and the project went forward despite the complaints.  Minister Édouard Lockroy, who greatly believed in the tower and what it would mean for France, was instrumental in keeping a positive focus as building continued.

Sixty million kilograms of iron - amounting to about three pounds for each French citizen - were sent to Eiffel's shop to be shaped and molded for the tower.  Once formed, those parts were sent to the work site on barges. 

The beams - temporarily put together at the firm - would be permanently installed by about 200 riveters hired to assemble the pre-fabricated parts.  They agreed to work six days a week, from sun-up to sun-down, with no breaks for holidays. 

See, also:

Eiffel Tower - Video - The Original Idea and Sketch

Eiffel Tower - Video - Plans and Initial Construction

Eiffel Tower - Video - Riveters Work in Snow and Wind

Eiffel Tower - Video - Danger Bonuses and Unofficial Opening

Eiffel Tower - Video - Original Life Span of 20 Years

Eiffel Tower - Video - Telegraphy and Meteorology Experiments

Eiffel Tower - Video - Saved by the Battle of the Marne