Around Liège

Relatively close to the German border, situated on the river Meuse and the Albertkanaal, the channel connecting Antwerp with Liège was of utmost strategic importance. By the end of the 19th century, 12 forts had been built in the area to keep Prussian or French invaders out. In the 1930s, another four were added in anticipation of a German invasion. Alas, these efforts failed; the fort of Eben-Emael was taken in one day, and the defense of the Albertkanaal given up after two days, allowing the German offensive passage towards Antwerp and the rest of the country.