Swiss History
Switzerland Decal Lecture 2
http://tinyurl.com/swiss-attendance-2
Early History
Archaelogical Evidence suggests that hunter-gatherers were already settled in the general region by 150,000 years ago
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Early History
Remains of Bronze Age pile dwellings (stilt houses date back to ~3800 BC)
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Early History
Proto-Celtic tribes had settled the area by 1500 BC
Two main tribes, the Raetians in the East and the Helvetii in the West
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Roman Era
In 58 BC Helvetii tried to invade Gaul but were repelled by Romans led by Julius Caesar
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Roman Era
Area basically became incorporated into Roman empire and cultures fused
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Roman Era
Rome retreated in 401 AD, area was then inhabited by Burgundians in the West and Alamanni in the East
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Roman Era
Raetia maintained Roman culture for a period of time until 454 AD. Dialect of Vulgar Latin -> Romasch
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Medieval Ages
Fribourg and Bern founded in 12th century as reichsfrei
Alpine passes gained importance. Uri and Schwyz were accorded Rechsfreiheit
Most of Unterwalden belonged to monasteries
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Medieval Ages
Rudolf I became King of Germany and revoked Reichsfreheit
April 16, 1291, Rudolf bought all the rights to the town of Lucerne
Died July 15, 1291
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The Old Confederacy
On August 1, 1291, 3 men met in a meadow and signed a pact
Walter Fürst from Canton Uri
Werner Stauffacher from Canton Schwyz
Arnold von Melchtal from Canton Unterwalden
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The Old Confederacy
Battle of Morgarten in 1315
Confederates were highly outnumbered, outtrained, and outarmed but won by ambush
Success convinced new cantons to join the Confederacy
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The Old Confederacy
In 1476 Burgundian Duke Charles the Bold tries to use opportunity to take control over Europe
But Swiss stopped him twice
Swiss were considered invincible
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The Old Confederacy
Swiss became world renowned mercenaries
The Habsburg emperor “encouraged” an association called Swabian league for all the imperial estates
Swiss didn’t want in, and went to war with Swabian League. They won.
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The Old Confederacy
After taking Milan in 1517, the Swiss were attacked by French in Battle of Marignano
The invincible Swiss were defeated
(Over?)-Reaction was to become completely neutral
Still offered mercenaries to rest of Europe
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The Old Confederacy
The Reformation happens!
4 became Protestant, 7 Catholic, and 2 were split
5 Catholic ones made “League of the Five Cantons”
Multiple Minor Civil Wars
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The Old Confederacy
Oasis of peace and prosperity during 30 years war
independence to Swiss from HRE
Small peasant war due to currency devaluation
13 Cantons plus many associates
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Napoleonic Era
Napoleon invaded Switzerland and established the Helvetic Republic
Created new cantons
Resented loss of local democracy, centralization, taxes, and warfare
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Napoleonic Era
Austrians invaded to fight the French
Unitary government failed within 5 years
Napoleon switched back to improved Confederation
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Post-Napoleonic Era
Congress of Vienna re-established Swiss independence and neutrality
Set at current borders
Protestants took control of Federal Diet
Proposed new constitution that would create closer relationship between the cantons
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Post-Napoleonic Era
Sonderbund Alliance of 7 Catholic cantons
Creating separate alliance was against constitution
1847 Civil War lasted less than a month and about 130 people were killed
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The Federal Era
Sonderbund cantons were invited to help draft new Federal Constitution based on American one
Voted for 2 million against 300,000
Avoided Civil Wars that plagued Europe the following year
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Federal Era
Nation building through ethno-symbolism and constructivism
Golden Age of Alpinism thanks to Mr. Cook in 1863
Rapid Industrial and Economic Growth
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Swiss Borders Grow
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Questions
What are some examples of Swiss history shaping the national mindset regarding neutrality or self-determination?
What inspired the reaction in Swiss foreign policy after the Battle of Marignano?
Why are there so few statues, monuments, etc commemorating Swiss history?
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Thanks!
HW:
Reading:
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