They were afraid that if the Germans were to attack, Amsterdam could fall under their superior army.
Water defence line offered another advantage in that a large area can be defended with relatively little manpower.
Fort Pampus in Lake IJmeer.
Forts were built where roads, railways, or dikes crossed through the water line.
These forts were positioned a maximum of 3.5 kilometers from each other.
The Stelling van Amsterdam was never used in combat.
The forts are now the most visible part of the Defence Line.
Many of these are now used for various purposes like wine trading, child care and museum.
A large portion of this monument is open to the public.
In 1996, the Defence Line of Amsterdam was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Map of the Defence Line of Amsterdam
Fort Pampus.
Photo credit:Johan Bakker/Wikimedia
Fort Pampus.
Photo credit:www.werelderfgoed.nl
Fort Muizenfort.
Photo credit:Defence Line Amsterdam/Flickr
Fort Uitermeer.
Photo credit:Defence Line Amsterdam/Flickr
Fort Muiderslot.
Photo credit:Defence Line Amsterdam/Flickr
Photo credit:www.werelderfgoed.nl
Sources:www.stelling-amsterdam.nl/Wikipedia
