The Maginot Line (in Use from 1935-1969)
Creation of The Line
Named after the French war minister Andre Maginot, this line of concrete bunkers was built after World War I was over to protect France from Germany. It was constructed from very thick and resilient concrete, but also managed to be comfortable and convenient to the soldiers. The Line was finally completed in 1938.
Problems with The Line
Though the Line's construction and execution was phenomenal, the structure had some substantial flaws. Most importantly, the wall did not extend beyond Germany's border, causing the path through Belgium to France to be completely open. Since France had hidden behind this line to keep away from the Germans, they first focused their attention on Poland. Also, when Hitler felt his troops were ready, he exploited this weakness and decided to travel around the Maginot Line in order to attack France at its weakest point: its northern border.
Invading France
On May 10, 1940, the German troops began to parachute into the Netherlands. Expecting this, British and French forces were sent to the open countryside of central Belgium; however, Hitler was one step ahead of the Allies. The Germans had decided to come through the Ardennes Mountains of Luxembourg and east Belgium. This caused the French and British armies to become completely ensnared in Germany's grasp, unable to leave Belgium. The Maginot Line was now rendered useless, unable to be used effectively for any purpose during that time.
Sources
Brinkley. "A World in Flames." The American Vision. 2010. Print.
http://stevenlehrer.com/Maginot_Line.htm
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-greatest-military-blunders-of-world-war-ii.phphttp://riskrapper.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/srzs-maginot-line/
http://stevenlehrer.com/Maginot_Line.htm
http://www.toptenz.net/top-10-greatest-military-blunders-of-world-war-ii.phphttp://riskrapper.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/srzs-maginot-line/