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 The history of Switzerland is strongly influenced by its geography, particularly by its mountains.
Another important role is played by the relationships with the neighborhood, which were not always friendly. Romans and Alemans as well as late Austrian and French folks have fought for this land in different epochs.
The Celtic tribe of the Helvetian was the first folk living in the territory of today's Switzerland. The official Latin name of Switzerland still reminds it: Confoederatio Helvetica.
Since 1291, the three famous Cantons so-called Ancient Cantons - (Urkantone) Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwald have formed the core of the confederation in the centre of Switzerland. The reason for this alliance is to find in the necessity for a defense against the Habsburg dynasty intrusion.
During the following centuries some towns joined the confederation (Lucerne, Zurich, Bern). Up to the time of the Reformation (1519) the "confederation of 13 old places” was created. It was the union of independent regions which had, in principle, the possibility to leave the alliance at any time.
The foundation of modern Switzerland dates back to 1848 when the confederates fought a civil war to obtain the modern constitution, and thereafter the ancient federal state became a federation.
The neutrality of Switzerland has is roots in 1515, when after its defeat at the Marignan battle, Swiss voluntarily left the arena of contest with big States.
This very neutrality has kept Switzerland away from the ravaging two world wars of the 20th century and has served a ground for persistent development of the country. |
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