Dunkirk, Lille, and Maubeuge, three fortified cities facing invasion in 1914: Unpreparedness, improvisations, and consequences
Diest, Philippe
Dunkirk, Lille, and Maubeuge, three fortified cities facing invasion in 1914: Unpreparedness, improvisations, and consequences - 2014.
40
In August 1914, the possibility of a German attack through Belgium was not taken seriously by the French people. However, the northern frontier ended up as the front line, notwithstanding the obsolescence of its military installations. Despite the weakness of the defences, the lack of troops and the political pressures, three fortified cities had to stop the German advance. Up to November 1914, the Nord Département was traversed by troops that were little interested in these three great centres. How does one explain the fate of these three cities in the first three months of the Great War, and what were the consequences for their military roles ?
Dunkirk, Lille, and Maubeuge, three fortified cities facing invasion in 1914: Unpreparedness, improvisations, and consequences - 2014.
40
In August 1914, the possibility of a German attack through Belgium was not taken seriously by the French people. However, the northern frontier ended up as the front line, notwithstanding the obsolescence of its military installations. Despite the weakness of the defences, the lack of troops and the political pressures, three fortified cities had to stop the German advance. Up to November 1914, the Nord Département was traversed by troops that were little interested in these three great centres. How does one explain the fate of these three cities in the first three months of the Great War, and what were the consequences for their military roles ?
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