The development of the German fortification system since 1870 - Rudi Rolf

At the end of the nineteenth century the Germans had built a vast amount of fortifications to protect their country against an attack. In a time that fortifications in general were changing rapidly, the German fortifications were amongst the most modern and well-adapted to these changes. It was the period in which the use of concrete and armour entered the world of the fortress-engineers.  The German fortifications could, roughly, be divided in four groups:

1. Fortifications along Germany's frontiers - in the west, the regions of Alsace-Lorraine with many fortifications in and around the (then German) cities of Metz, Diedenhofen, Straßburg and Neu-Breisach. In the east, equally impressive fortifications such as those built in Königsberg, Marienburg, Kulm, Thorn, Posen, etc.

2. Fortifications along the coasts - North Sea: Borkum, Wilhelmshaven, Geestemünde and Cuxhaven. Baltic Sea: Memel, Pillau, Danzig, Kolberg, Swinemünde, Stettin, Stralsund, etc.

3. Fortresses further inland - protecting certain cities: Magdeburg, Wittenberg, Torgau, Königstein, Minden, Erfurt, Spandau, Ingolstadt, Ulm, etc.

4. Fortifications protecting certain positions: bridges, roads, railroads, etc.

This is the first and only book to describe all the fortifications that were in service around 1912.  It describes the developments between 1870 and 1912 - the changes, the theories and ideas. Not only is it a description of individual positions and works, but it is moreover a book that tries to explain the general ideas and theories of Germans national defence(s).

The book is written in German and is lavishly illustrated with HUNDREDS of photos, plans, drawings and maps.  

Hardcover edition from 2000 (€ 39.00)