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Where did the Maginot Line start and end?
Viewed in this light, the Maginot Line was a sensible idea. It was a line of almost six thousand forts, blockhouses, dragon’s-teeth antitank barriers and other fortifications along the Franco-German border, starting in the south near Switzerland and extending north to the France-Luxembourg border.
How far did the Maginot Line extend?
The Maginot Line, an array of defenses that France built along its border with Germany in the 1930s, was designed to prevent an invasion. Built at a cost that possibly exceeded $9 billion in today’s dollars, the 280-mile-long line included dozens of fortresses, underground bunkers, minefields, and gun batteries.
Where did the Maginot Line take place?
northeast France
Maginot Line, elaborate defensive barrier in northeast France constructed in the 1930s and named after its principal creator, André Maginot, who was France’s minister of war in 1929–31. Main entrance to the Schoenenbourg Fort on the Maginot Line, Bas-Rhin department, Alsace region, France.
Why was the Maginot Line not extended?
The French didn’t extend the Maginot Line along the Belgian Border because A) the water table is high in Flanders, and the soil is soft, which would have made constructing defences difficult; B) the French didn’t want to give the impression that they would abandon the Belgians; and C) the French were spending money on …
How did Germany bypassed the Maginot Line?
Thus the Germans were able to avoid a direct assault on the Maginot Line by violating the neutrality of Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Attacking on 10 May, German forces were well into France within five days and they continued to advance until 24 May, when they stopped near Dunkirk.
What Scandinavian country did Germany invade?
Norway
On April 9, 1940, German warships enter major Norwegian ports, from Narvik to Oslo, deploying thousands of German troops and occupying Norway.
Was Charles de Gaulle a dictator?
On August 26, following the Allied invasion of France, de Gaulle entered Paris in triumph. Considered the only leader of sufficient strength and stature to deal with the perilous situation, he was made the virtual dictator of France, with power to rule by decree for six months.
When did De Gaulle died?
November 9, 1970
Charles de Gaulle/Date of death
Why did France fail in ww2?
Its failure was a result of a hopelessly divided French political elite, a lack of quality military leadership, rudimentary French military tactics. On the battlefield, France faced a vastly more prepared German army that utilized both more advanced weapons and sophisticated tactics.
What side was Finland on in ww2?
As part of the Paris Peace Treaty, Finland was classified as an ally of Nazi Germany, bearing its responsibility for the war. The treaty imposed heavy war reparations on Finland and stipulated the lease of the Porkkala area near the Finnish capital Helsinki as a military base for fifty years.
When was the Maginot Line built in France?
Built between 1930 and 1940, France’s Maginot Line was a massive system of defenses that became famous for failing to stop a German invasion. While an understanding of the Line’s creation is vital to any study of World War I, World War II, and the period in between, this knowledge is also helpful when interpreting a number of modern references.
What kind of material was the Maginot Line made of?
1935–1969. Materials. Concrete, steel, iron. Battles/wars. World War II. Battle of France (1940) Operation Nordwind (1945) The Maginot Line ( French: Ligne Maginot, IPA: [liɲ maʒino] ), named after the French Minister of War André Maginot, is a line of concrete fortifications, as well as obstacles and weapon installations built by France in the
Why was the Maginot Line important in World War 2?
The Maginot Line was built to fulfil several purposes: To prevent a German surprise attack To deter a cross-border assault. To protect Alsace and Lorraine (returned to France in 1918) and their industrial basin To save manpower (France counted 39 million inhabitants, Germany 70 million)
How many German divisions were in the Maginot Line?
In 1940, France deployed about twice as many men, 36 divisions (roughly one third of its force), for the defense of the Maginot Line in Alsace and Lorraine, whereas the opposing German Army Group C only contained 19 divisions, fewer than a seventh of the force committed in the Manstein Plan for the invasion of France.