THE FORTS AND FORTIFICATIONS OF EUROPE 1815-1945: The Central States - Germany, Austria-Hungary and Czechoslovakia

1-243760

Examines the redrawn borders of Central Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. The volatile politics of the late nineteenth century generated an atmosphere of fear and distrust, and it gave rise to a new era of fortress building. Describes how defensive lines and structures on a massive scale were constructed along national frontiers to deter aggression.

The Germans, Austro-Hungarians, and Czechs all embarked on ambitious building programs. Artillery positions, barbed-wire networks, casemates, concrete bunkers, trench lines, and observation posts all sprang up in a vain attempt to keep the peace and to delay the invader. Describes the strategic thinking, planning, design and construction of these defensive schemes. Their operational history in wartime, in particular during WWII, is a key element of the account. Contains 150 black and white illustrations.