The construction of the Maginot Line fortifications forced the Nazis to invade France through Belgium, but the plight of their defenders evokes confusion, endurance, and divided loyalties.
"It is with heavy heart that I tell you we have to cease fighting. Last night, I asked our adversary whether he was prepared, between soldiers, after the struggle and in honour, to seek a way to end hostilities." These were the words of France’s new prime minister,...