Pre square

The pre square is a double line of strengthened cities which protects the new borders from the Royaume of France against the Spanish Netherlands. The pre square was conceived by Vauban at the 17th century century after the conquest of the North of current France.

At the origin of this expression, this letter addressed by Vauban to Louvois in January 1673: " Seriously, Monseigneur, the king should a little think of making his pre square. Of friendly and enemy places I do not like this confusion. You are obliged to maintain three for one them. Your people are tormented by it, your expenditure of increased much and your forces of decreased much, and I add that it is almost impossible that you all can put them in state and to provide them. I say moreover than if, in the contentions which we so often have with our neighbors, we came to play a little misfortune, or (what God does not want) to fall into one minorié, the majority from would go away as they came. This is why, that is to say by treaty or by a good war, Monseigneur, preach toujors squaring, not circle, but of pre. It is beautiful and good thing which to be able to hold its fact of the two hands . "

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