ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the historical background leading to the construction of the fortified line before investigating the state of the French army on the Franco-German frontier in 1939—1940. The structure and organisation of the French army along the German border faced major changes after the First World War. The Maginot line had drastically changed French attitudes to war. The occupation of abandoned villages by the military was particularly hard for Alsatian and Lorrainer soldiers wearing the French uniform. The French army had 20 well-trained and well-equipped active service divisions and another 74 reserve divisions, far less experienced, filled the gaps. New divisions were created and others were transferred to become accustomed to frontline duty. There is no doubt that life in the French Army was difficult during the Phoney War. Soldiers were badly fed, poorly clothed and unsuitably housed.
