Alpine Line

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Alpne Line Line
Southeastern France
Type Defensive line
Built 1930–40
Construction
materials
Concrete, steel
In use 1935–69
Controlled by France
Battles/wars Battle of France

The Alpine Line or Little Maginot Line was the component of the Maginot Line that defended the southeastern portion of France. In contrast to the main line in the northeastern portion of France, the Alpine Line traversed a mountainous region of the Maritime Alps, the Cottian Alps and the Graian Alps, with relatively few passes suitable for invading armies. Access was difficult for construction and for their garrisons. Consequently, Alpine Line fortifications were smaller in scale than the fortifications of the main Line.

The Italian counterpart to the Alpine Line was Italy's Alpine Wall, the western portions of which faced the Alpine Line across the Alpine Valleys.

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[edit] References

  • Allcorn, William. The Maginot Line 1928-45. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2003. ISBN 1-84176-646-1
  • Kauffmann, J.E. and Kaufmann, H.W. Fortress France: The Maginot Line and French Defenses in World War II, 2006. ISBN 0-275-98345-5

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