In January 1893, Kaiser Wilhelm II decided to build a fort in Mutzig, Alsace. The first construction work began in April of the same year. Along with the fortified belt of Strasburg, the fort barred the way of the Alsacian plain between Strasburg and the Vosges Mountains, in so doing hindering enemy troops advancing from Belfort, to attack Metz.
This German fort was the first built after the development of the explosive melinite and began a new era in fortification building. This new explosive was much more powerfull than the black powder previously used. The first plans called for 5 enclosed so called "unit-forts". The first two forts were built, in a   triangular shape : the East-fort (1893) and the West-fort (1895).

The next two fortifications were built on a new concept. Instead of enclosing all assets in one fort, they were dispersed in many constructions connected by underground tunnels. Hence, the many components of a fort' s (firing batteries, shelters, and observations posts) were less vulnerable than in a traditionally designed fort.

As the fort was built, new techniques were introduced, some were never used again, others were adopted and became the standard ie :