![]() This did not mean that the area was to go undefended, for the French developed a military plan based on the Line. There was one key reason for this: when the Line was being planned in the late '20s, France and Belgium were allies, and it was inconceivable that either one should build such a massive system on their shared boundary. The Line would run along both the Franco-German and Franco-Italian borders, as both countries were considered a threat however, the fortifications would cease at the Ardennes Forest and not continue any further north. ![]() Any battles would thus occur on the fringes of French territory, preventing internal damage and occupation. It would halt an invasion long enough for the French to fully mobilize their own army, and then act as a solid base from which to repel the attack. How the Maginot Line Was Supposed to Work He countered the pacifists by defining the fortifications as a non-aggressive method of defense (as opposed to fast tanks or counter attacks) and pushed the classic political justifications of creating jobs and stimulating industry. Equally, while the Treaty of Versailles had allowed French troops to occupy the German Rhineland, they were obliged to leave by 1930 this buffer zone would need some sort of replacement. He cited the falling numbers of French manpower, which would reach a low-point in the 1930s, and the need to avoid any other mass bloodshed, which might delay-or even stop-the population recovery. Although he may not have visited every government ministry and office in person-as the legend states-he certainly used some compelling arguments. There was plenty of opposition, including the Socialist and Communist parties, but Maginot worked hard to convince them all. After returning to the war ministry in 1929, Maginot built upon the CDF's success, securing government funding for a full-scale defensive line.
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