The Maginot Line: None Shall Pass

by J.E Kaufmann, H.W Kaufmann

Overview

Tracing the development of the fortifications in Europe from the end of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 to the twentieth century, this is the first comprehensive book in English on the forts of the Maginot Line, German espionage, and the German sieges during the 1940 campaign. It analyzes the reasons why the French opted for this type of defensive system, and explains how the Maginot Line presented the French Army with opportunities (mostly wasted) to regroup and mount an effective defense. Shrouded in media myth for 40 years, this study demonstrates both how the media created the myth and the truth behind the myth of the Maginot Line. At the time reporters wildly speculated about these fortifications, German intelligence agents were busy collecting data. Finally, this book relates the heroic battles waged by the forts, large and small: the tragic fall of La Ferte, the surrender of other petits ouvrages after prolonged and fierce fighting, the triumphant resistance of the larger forts even in the face of the most savage artillery pounding, and the unqualified victory of the Little Maginot Line over invading Italian forces.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275957193
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/28/1997
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

J. E. KAUFMANN is an Adjunct Faculty member at Palo Alto Junior College and a public high school social studies teacher.

H. W. KAUFMANN is Lecturer in Foreign Languages at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Table of Contents

Illustrations
Introduction
The Development of Lines of Fortifications
The Maginot Line: Planning and Designing
The Ouvrage d'Artillerie
Components of an Ouvrage
The Petits Ouvrages and Lesser Fortifications
Supporting Positions
The Rhine Defenses, New Fronts, and Alpine Fronts
The French Army and Fortress Troops
Reporters and Spies
The Maginot Line at War
Victory in the Alps
Conclusion
Bibliography
Glossary
Index

Editorial Reviews

After a history of the development of lines of fortifications in Europe and especially France, chapters detail the planning, design, and building of the Maginot Line during the WWII era, and describe its role in the war. Includes a glossary. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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