The Outcomes of the The Ligne Maginot

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Introduction The Ligne Maginot, as it became known to the French people and first envisioned by Marshal Joffre, took 10 years to build starting in 1929.1 The Maginot Line was a system of concrete fortifications, bunkers and defenses designed to defend against a German invasion into France. The fortifications were built to give the French army time to mobilize if attacked. The Maginot Line was named after the French Minister of War André Maginot, who served from 1928-1931. Construction took place between 1929 and 1940. After World War I and the catastrophe at Versailles in 1919, a treaty was written. The Treaty of Versailles, while ending World War I, has been blamed for contributing to, and ultimately forcing the start of World War II. The treaty required Germany to accept the responsibility of the damage and loss caused by Germany to the other countries in the war. This clause became known as the War Guilt clause. It also forced Germany to pay reparations to these nations at the cost of 132 billion Marks (about $442 billion by todays rates). France realized that they needed a plan to defend against Germany. This is what evolved the idea of a line of fortifications into the Maginot Line we see today. To this day there are still arguments about the Maginot Lines success. It is either considered a colossal failure or a huge success. History After World War I, France had some significant wounds caused by the occupation and invasion of the enemy force. Over 1 million French citizens were killed and approximately 4-5 million wounded during the occupied period.2 This prompted France to look internally to devise a plan to defend France from any future invasions. This was especially apparent following the 1919 Treaty of Versai... ... middle of paper ... ...er and tank, fortifications like the Maginot Line provided little value to the current age of war. “The cost of the Maginot Line was one of the main reasons for the neglect of the French mechanized Army.” Said Fuller in 1943.20 The combination of not looking forward to innovative ways to defend the country, relying on old tactics, and a misallocation of funds the Maginot Line was not the success that France had hoped for. In an ever-changing environment and culture, countries need to look toward the future operations. What is the next war? How will it be fought? What kinds of technology advancements and tactic improvements will help me on the offensive and defensive in a large-scale conflict? These are the questions that were either not answered correctly, or not considered when France decided that an enormous chain of fortifications be built along their borders.

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