Following on from two previous volumes covering the Atlantic Wall; this book completes the story of one of the most formidable defensive lines in Europe in World War II; looking at the lesser known Mediterranean extension and describing how it was conceived of; built and used. After the alarming collapse of Italy in 1943; the Germans launched a crash building program and the 'Sudwall;' (South Wall) sprang up quickly along the French Mediterranean coast and the neighbouring Italian coast around Genoa. The new defences were bolstered by existing French fortifications of key port towns such as Marseilles and Toulon - many of them bristling with heavy artillery. Whilst describing the wall's physical design features; this book also recounts the defences' role in the Allied invasion of Southern France; Operation Dragoon - 'The Second D-Day'. As the Germans' worst fears became a reality; the southern Atlantic Wall would face its ultimate test.
#1219837 in Books The University of North Carolina Press 2017-02-01Original language:English 9.40 x .75 x 6.40l; #File Name: 1469633485336 pagesThe University of North Carolina Press
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Chock Full of Good NuggetsBy MrJumboRomney writes clearly and has excellent footnotes; amplifying the text and suggesting further reading. I haven't even finished the book yet; but it has already gone beyond what I had been hoping for. I was looking for conversation about how family networks stayed in touch across the Atlantic in the 1600s as the Dutch built out in the North American colony; but she has also taken an extensive look at the grassroots economic network supporting the extension of the Dutch empire across oceans; with credit from ordinary Amsterdammers both enabling and compelling seamen on their voyages. Great stuff! I'm looking forward to devouring the rest of it; anticipating even more revelations as I go.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerBeautifully written! Explains the importance of family relationships from Holland to the New World.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. New Netherland ConnectionsBy Kim Burdick.Well-written and carefully researched."New Netherland Connections" focuses mostly on mid-seventeenth century Dutch life along the Hudson River; exploring the relationships between the old world and the new; women as business people; Native Americans and Dutch; Africans and Dutch; and all of the above in relation to the English.I was especially interested in the section on Africans in New Netherland; and the sections on Dutch and Indian "go-betweens;" as La Malinka; Pocohontas; Sacajewa and Conrad Weiser are often spoken of in this role; but Oratam of Hackensacky and Sara Roeloff Kierstede are new to me.With its emphasis on networking and exploration of differing cultural and social norms; this book will be as interesting to sociology and anthropology students as it is to historians.Worth reading.Kim BurdickStanton; Delaware
