French strategy therefore envisioned a move into Belgium to counter a German assault. These impressive fortifications 142 large artillery forts called ouvrages or 'works,' 352 fortified gun emplacements called 'casemates,' and 5,000 smaller bunkers and pillboxes became known as the Maginot Line, named after the French politician André Maginot (pronounced Mah-ji-noh). WikipediaĬonstructed on the French side of its borders with Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, the line did not extend to the English Channel. French strategy therefore envisioned a move into Belgium to counter a German assault. The line has since become a metaphor for expensive efforts that offer a false sense of security.Ĭonstructed on the French side of its borders with Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, the line did not extend to the English Channel. Indeed, Belgium feared it would be sacrificed in the event of another German invasion. The line, which was supposed to be fully extended further towards the west to avoid such an occurrence, was finally scaled back in response to demands from Belgium. In consequence, the Germans invaded through the Low Countries in 1940, passing it to the north. The combat blocks, turrets and the command post are 1. French officer points in the direction of Berlin, from a fort on the Maginot Line. The equipment is typical of the Maginot line with kitchens, a electrical factory, infirmary, barracks. The Maginot Line was impervious to most forms of attack. Browse 372 maginot line stock photos and images available, or search for war map or last to find more great stock photos and pictures. The Maginot Line, named after the French Minister of War André Maginot, is a line of concrete fortifications, obstacles and weapon installations built by France in the 1930s to deter invasion by Germany and force them to move around the fortifications.
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