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The Fulda Gap, which gave a fairly open route from the Thüringerwald to Frankfurt became significant because of how Germany was divided at the end of WWII and as being the best route for a mechanized force to cut through the US Army in the 3d Armd Div’s portion of the V Corps sector, for the Soviet 8th Guards Army to and over the Rhine River on its way to France. The North German Plain was a similar route for the Soviets to cut the US supply lines based upon Bremerhaven and to get to the NATO depots in Holland and Belgium.

Thanks. Was looking earlier at the defensive force structure in the Cold War in the Fulda Gap. Included “backpack” nuclear bombs to be parachuted in (by very brave paratroopers) and placed for tactical use on an advancing Soviet force. That and the Davy Crockett nuclear 2-man tripod team recoilless gun- low yield tactical. If not mistaken, there was also nuclear howitzer shells, tested in Western US desert, and atomic demolition mines deployed by US in Fulda, and the Corporal and Sergeant small guided missiles. This was deadly serious tactical positioning and planning (NATO as well).

Fulda was right at the East German/West German border,called the Inner German Border which went some 860 miles between the two.

So much history there- Napoleon went through there on way back to France from losing at Leipzig. Great links- thank you!