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Aug 1, 1291
Orgin of the Swiss Confederation
The confederation was an alliance that was along the valley communities in the Central Alps. It kept peace as well as managed common intrest on the trade routes in the Alps. The Federal Charter of 1291 is known as the confederacy of the Swiss Confederation. -
The Treaty of Westphalia
The signing of the Treaty of Westphalia concluded the 30 years war in Europe. The 30 Years War was one the most constructive wars that ever happened in Europe. This was important to Switzerland's history because it made the European Powers reconize Switzerlands independence -
Helvetic Republic
The Swiss Confederation became the Helventic Republic because the French invaded and took it over. Much modernization took place, and a new government was set. The Act of Mediation would give the Swiss Confederation, the lands of Switzerland back. This is important to Swiss history because It represents the first time that Switzerland existed as a unified country. -
Napolean's Act of Mediation
This Act reistablished the Swiss Confederation from the Helvetic Republic. This happened after Napoleon brough Swiss Cantons to Paris in hope to dissolve the Helventic Republic. This is important to Switzerland because if they didn't retake control of the land it could still be controlled by the French. -
The Sounderbund War
The Sounderbund War was a civil war in Switzerland that was between the Sounderbunds and the centralization of power. The Sounderbunds consisted of seven Catholic cantons, while the centralization of power consisted of 12 cantons. The reasoning for this war was that the Sunderbunds wanted the government to be ran by Catholics, while the centralization of power wanted Protestants to run the government. -
Consitution is Created
This constitution was based off of the ideas of the U.S Constitution and the French Revolution. This provided the cantons with power as long as it didn't have an effect on the Federal Constitution. This was importnant to Switzerland because this made Switzerland a unified federal state with a constitution. -
World War 1
Switzerland didn't have much effect on WW1, but it did test their neutrality considering they were boardering the two main powerhouses, Germany and Austria-Hungary. They feared a trench war would spill into Switzerland, so they set up troops on the French boarder. While not getting involved Switzerland was able to continue to build up their bank economy. -
World War 2
As soon as WW2 started Switzerland mobilized for an invasion from the German Nazi's. Being able to be stay independant during WW2 benfited Switzeland from being invaded. Considering being surrounded by the Allies for most of the war Switzerland was once again able to stay neutral, and avoid mass destruction of their country. -
Women's Suffrage
This was rejected in 1959 by a vote of 2-1. Women have been trying to get this to happen since 1886, and it wasn't until 1971 in which it was finally approved. Since this date a women has been elected into the Swiss government, and they now have equal rights in Swiss families. -
Switzerland Joins United Nations
After being rejected in 1986 by a vote of 3-1, Switzerland was finally able to join the UN. Swizerland is home to Europe's United Nations Headquarters, The Palace of Nations, in Geneva. This is important to Swizerland because entering the UN will help them keep up with the rest of the world
