The Maginot Line was an extensive series of fortifications built by France through the 1930s to protect its eastern borders from German attack. Stretching for over 200 miles (322 km), and including massive gun emplacements and extensive underground tunnels, the Maginot Line was rendered all but obsolete by the German attack through neutral Belgium and then north-eastern France in the opening stages of the Second World War (1939-45). The German Army's blitzkrieg tactics largely bypassed the Maginot Line and brought about France's defeat in just six weeks. Backing static defence against a mechanized and highly mobile enemy had proved to be utter folly.
More about: Maginot LineDefinition
Timeline
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1929France begins building the Maginot Line defensive system.
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May 1940 - Jun 1940German forces attack France and then the Maginot Line from the west.
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2 Jul 1940The last fighting forces in France's Maginot Line surrender to the German Army.
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Nov 1944Sections of the Maginot Line are again used by Allied forces as the Western Front moves eastwards.
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1950Parts of France's Maginot Line defence system are restored for use during the Cold War.
