Maginot, << MAZH uh noh, >> Line is a fortified line of defense in eastern France. Named for Andre Maginot, a French war minister, it runs along France’s border with Germany and Luxembourg. France built the line in the 1930’s to defend against German invasion. The Maginot Line consists of a series of forts and pillboxes (small concrete bunkers). Tunnels link the fortifications, and underground quarters have room for thousands of troops. In 1940, the Germans invaded France through Belgium, passing north of the line. The French military stopped using the Maginot Line in the 1960’s, and parts of it are now open to the public. See also Siegfried Line .
