In times of war – The bridge as a strategic site
Twice in its recent history, in 1914 and 1939, the Middle Bridge became a military roadblock. As a border city, Basel prepared for the worst during the two world wars: Experts secured the bridge, laid detonation cords, and positioned barricades and artillery. Explosives were placed beneath its deck. The Middle Bridge was a key strategic point in Switzerland’s line of defence. It was set to be blown up if there was any threat of an enemy invasion. On the 12th of September 1939, the Swiss Army’s commander-in-chief, General Guisan, inspected the border fortifications from his official car and declared that he was very satisfied. Even in the shadow of impending war though, trams rumbled across the bridge, cars honked their horns, bicycles wove their way through the barriers and daily life continued.
Bildquelle: Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt, Foto Hoffmann, Basel, BSL 1045c 3-38-18 2