A-Z of the Second World War

M

Maginot Line. This was a line of fortification built by the French along their border with Germany in the 1930s to stop any repeat of 1914. It went as far as the Ardennes Forest as the French did not believe an attack through this dense woodland was possible. In the event the Maginot Line which was considered impenetrable was simply gone around by the German forces!

The fortified Maginot Line. Most French people it offered them safety from any German attempts at an invasion.

Montgomery. The British General who turned the fortunes around for Britain in Africa. His most famous and important victory was at El Alamein. He was very disappointed when he was forced to act under the leadership 0f Eisenhower in 1944 for the Normandy landings. he was a cautious and very thorough man; possibly the reason why the more rash Eisenhower never got on with him.

Mussolini, Benito. The Italian leader who formed an alliance with Hitler. When Italy invaded Abyssinia in 1935, Hitler used it as a way of forming a friendship that broke down the League of Nations even further. The alliance was one sided and Hitler became very dissatisfied with Mussolini. He was finally killed by being hanged from a lamp-post by his own people.

Mussolini at a rally with Hitler. Hitler was not really friendly with Mussolini but put up with him.