The Eiffel Tower

Learn about the history of the Eiffel Tower in Paris with iMinds Travel's insightful fast knowledge series. It was once the tallest building in the world. Each year it attracts millions of visitors making it the worlds most visited paid monument. It is both a global icon and the symbol of an entire nation. Yet, it was actually intended to be taken down and sold as scrap metal just a few decades after its erection. We are talking about the Eiffel Tower; the postcard image of France and a modern engineering masterpiece. In 1889, France would celebrate the 100th anniversary of the start of the French Revolution. Planning for the celebrations began in 1885 and organisers soon came up with the idea of building a huge monument on the Champ de Mars. They wanted it to surpass the recently completed Washington monument which had been erected in the United States to commemorate President Washington. This rival building stood at 557 feet, or 170 metres, and was, at the time, the tallest building in the world. It had taken over 30 years to build. But the French had less than three years to complete work on a structure that would eventually be almost twice this height. iMinds will tell you the story behind the place with its innovative travel series, transporting the armchair traveller or getting you in the mood for discover on route to your destination. iMinds brings targeted knowledge to your eReading device with short information segments to whet your mental appetite and broaden your mind. 'Learn about Trade Embargoes with iMinds Money's insightful fast knowledge series. Trade embargoes are a form of economic sanction that can be used against another nation. A trade embargo restricts trade with a nation. This may involve banning the import and export of only a few goods, such as armaments, or may encompass a wider range of goods. Embargoes are usually employed to apply pressure to a nation that has or will engage in actions undesirable to the body applying the sanction. Simply put, they are an economic means of applying political pressure. They are a common method for forwarding foreign policy and for enforcing international law. When applied as such, they are often the first sanction applied against an offending nation where subsequent sanctions may lead towards physical conflict. Embargoes and other economic sanctions have been used throughout history to varying degrees. During the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century, France embargoed most European trade with Britain. During this time, America also embargoed trade with both England and France after these nations attempted to prevent America's trade with the other. The American Embargo Act of 1807, however, was more damaging to America's own economy. It was lifted and eventually replaced with a trade embargo on England alone. This precipitated the War of 1812 between America and England. iMinds will hone your financial knowledge with its insightful series looking at topics related to Money, Investment and Finance.. whether an amateur or specialist in the field, iMinds targeted fast knowledge series will whet your mental appetite and broaden your mind.