Thiers Wall
The Thiers Wall refers to a series of fortifications constructed around Paris in the 19th century, named after Adolphe Thiers, the French statesman who initiated its construction. Here is a detailed overview:
History and Construction
- Inception: The project was started in 1841 under the reign of King Louis Philippe I, prompted by fears of a potential invasion, particularly after the Napoleonic Wars and the revolutions of 1830.
- Design: The fortifications were designed by General Haxo, incorporating the latest military technology of the time.
- Structure: The wall was a massive undertaking, consisting of an outer wall, an inner wall, and a series of forts, redoubts, and batteries. It spanned approximately 34 kilometers, enclosing an area of about 7,800 hectares.
- Completion: The construction was completed in 1844, though additional works continued for several years afterward.
Features of the Wall
- Outer Wall: This was made of stone and earthworks, with a height varying from 7 to 9 meters, topped with crenellations.
- Inner Wall: Composed of a series of forts and redoubts, designed to provide defense in depth.
- Forts: Sixteen forts were built at intervals, equipped with artillery to provide overlapping fields of fire.
- Barriers: The wall included gates with drawbridges and portcullises, which could be closed in times of threat.
Historical Significance
- Military Role: The wall played a critical role during the Siege of Paris in 1870-1871 during the Franco-Prussian War, although it ultimately failed to prevent the city's capture.
- Urban Development: After the war, the wall's military purpose became obsolete, and it began to influence Paris's urban layout. The area around the wall became known as the Zone non ædificandi, where building was prohibited, leading to the creation of the Fortifications of Paris as a green belt.
- Modern Era: Most of the wall was dismantled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to accommodate the city's expansion. Today, remnants of the wall can still be seen in various locations around Paris, integrated into parks or as part of historical sites.
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