ELI5 Ferris Wheels - what inspired George Ferris to invent it?

ELI5 Explain Like I'm 5: Bite sized answers to stuff you should know about - in a mini podcast

What inspired George Ferris to create the first Ferris wheel at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893? How tall was the original Ferris wheel, and what impressive structure did it aim to surpass? What unique challenges did engineers face to build the Ferris wheel, and how did they ensure its safety?

... we explain like I'm five

Thank you to the r/explainlikeimfive community and in particular the following users whose questions and comments formed the basis of this discussion: jake1oo6, rhomboidus, ez_does_it, demderdemden, thrashingmadness, iammagnuslol, black_magic_m-66 and 1poongoon3.

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