Kevin Passmore

Kevin Passmore, author of *The Maginot Line: A New History*, delves into the complexities surrounding France's infamous fortifications. He discusses how the line, intended to deter Nazi Germany, became a symbol of failure. Passmore highlights the misconceptions about its effectiveness and the grim living conditions of soldiers within. He also explores the strategic misjudgments that led to France's rapid fall and challenges the narrative of French military decadence. Ultimately, he reflects on the line's legacy and its relevance to modern defense policies.

Kevin Passmore, a historian specializing in fascism and the French right, dives deep into the ambitious yet ultimately flawed Maginot Line. He reveals intricate details about its impressive engineering, the lives of soldiers manning the forts, and the diverse roles of foreign labor in its construction. Passmore challenges misconceptions surrounding its purpose, emphasizing its historical impact on local communities and military strategy despite France's quick defeat during WWII. Join the discussion to unpack the myths and human stories behind this monumental project.

Kevin Passmore, a historian of fascism and the French right, sheds new light on the Maginot Line, once considered a costly failure. He reveals its advanced engineering, complete with underground hospitals and electric trains. Passmore discusses the societal narratives around the fortifications, the lives of those stationed there, and the paradox of extensive preparations leading to France's swift defeat in WWII. He also highlights the impact of immigrant labor in construction and challenges misconceptions about the Line’s strategic significance.