The Maginot Line

What was the Maginot Line?

• Named after André Maginot, French Minister for War 1929 – 32.

• A series of impressive defensive fortifications along France’s border with Germany.

• Fortified zones,• Underground

bunkers,• Anti-tank defences,• Pill-boxes,• Artillery placements,• Communication

centres,• Etc.

What was the impact of the Maginot Line on French foreign policy?

• The aim of the Maginot Line was as a defence and a deterrent against German invasion.

• What it did in reality, was to encourage a defensive mentality amongst the French. The French army became rather a static force, with no desire to move forward against German troops.

• It also meant that, although the French made mutual assistance pacts and agreements to support other countries, they were not able in practice to implement them because virtually their entire focus was on defence.