In 1941, when the Japanese invaded Hong Kong, they were met with stout resistance from the British, who had fortified the island with a system of defensive structures termed the Oriental Maginot Line. These defenses were met with severe resistance from the Japanese. The French Maginot Line served as inspiration for the British defensive structures, which were designed to keep the Japanese at bay for a period of six months. However, the Japanese military was able to easily overcome the British defences, and as a result, the British were eventually forced to capitulate after only two days of battle. The collapse of Hong Kong was a devastating blow to British prestige and marked the beginning of the end of British dominance in Asia. Hong Kong’s fall also heralded the beginning of the end of British rule in India.