The Maginot Line was a defensive fortification built by France along its eastern border with Germany after World War I. Constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, it aimed to prevent a German invasion by providing a series of bunkers, fortresses, and obstacles. The line was named after André Maginot, a French politician who advocated for its creation. Despite its extensive construction, the Maginot Line was ultimately bypassed during World War II when German forces invaded through Belgium in 1940. This led to criticism of the line's effectiveness, as it did not fulfill its intended purpose of protecting France from invasion.