Today, Switzerland is largely known as the only neutral nation in the planet. But how did this nation, long besieged by its conquering neighbors, manage to maintain its political neutrality and fierce sense of identity despite its being completely surrounded by countries with differing political ideologies? A look at the history of Switzerland may have some answers.
Pre-Roman to Roman Times
The history of Switzerland started even way before the rise of the Roman Empire. The original inhabitants of Switzerland were called the Helvetii and the Rhaetians, occupying the western and eastern points of the territory, respectively.
It was only in the 1sty century B.C. that the Romans, led by Julius Caesar came. After conquering the region, they renamed it Helvetia, which became thoroughly Romanized in the succeeding centuries. However, with the Germanic invasions of the Western Roman Empire in the 4th century A.D., the map of the history of Switzerland was drastically changed when Roman-controlled Helvetia was conquered by the Burgundians and the Alamanni.
Middle Ages
Roughly a century later, in 5th century A.D., the Franks conquered the Alamanni. Later in the early 6th century, they also conquered the Burgundians. Thus, the history of Switzerland came under the charge of the Franks, who introduced Christianity to its people.
In the 9th century, control of much of Europe was lost from the Frankish Carolingian. Consequently, much of Switzerland became a part of one of the great feudal states of the German Kingdom, the duchy of Alemannia. The rest was absorbed by the kingdom of Transjurane Burgundy, which in 1033, was acquired by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad II. At this point of the history of Switzerland, the country was no more than a collection of petty states, ruled by either dukes or counts, and sometimes bishops and abbots.
Struggle for Independence
The turn of the 13th century proved to be a significant turning point in the history of Switzerland for it was in 1276 that the Swiss’ traditional liberties were clearly threatened. The Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf I of the Habsburg dynasty wanted to acquire the territory that is now Switzerland. To resist this aggression, the three cantons, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, combined their defenses. This proved to be the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy, which was later on enlarged when other cantons likewise followed suit.
The Reformation
The history of Switzerland experienced another significant moment in 1518 when the Protestant Reformation came into being. Among the leaders of this movement are the country pastor Huldreich Zwingli and the French theologian John Calvin.
The Thirty Years’ War of 1618 to 1648 followed, but Switzerland preserved its neutrality. Even so, it was able to achieve formal recognition as a nation and as a completely independent state.
Unification to the Present
The French Revolution in the 1790s reached Switzerland and 1798, revolutionaries supported by the French occupied the whole territory. Napoleon Bonaparte, the future emperor of France, unified the country under the name Helvetic Republic. Later in 1803, Napoleon withdrew his troops. In 1815, the Congress of Vienna passed a new constitution, recognizing the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland. This in effect marked the long tradition and history of Switzerland as a politically neutral state.
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Flag Of Switzerland
... center. There are actually only two square sovereign-state flags: the flag of Switzerland and the flag of the Vatican City. That rectangular flag of Switzerland that you sometimes see is only a civil and state ensign used mainly by Swiss ships and boats. Although the red background of the flag of Switzerland is traditionally square, no such traditional connotations accompanied the white cross. In fact, it wasn't until 1889 when the dimensions of the cross were formally established: "The coat of arms of the federation is, within a red field, an upright white cross, whose arms of equal length are a sixth longer than their width." However, since the time of the Old Swiss Confederacy, the flag of Switzerland bore a white cross, albeit with much details than the plain white cross of today. So how did the flag of Switzerland develop into what it is now? To answer that, we need to take a...
Switzerland Tours
... and by hotels in Switzerland. Visit places like Geneva, Zurich, Lugano, Locarno, Lucerne, and St. Moritz if you choose the Switzerland tour by destination. If you already have an idea exactly what you want from your Switzerland vacation, perhaps you can find what you're looking for in their Switzerland Tour Packages, which include Honeymoon in Switzerland, Peaks of the World, Switzerland Rail Adventure, Glacier Express in Winter, and many more. TourVacationsToGo.com The site features several first class ($80 - $275) and budget ($45 - $130) Switzerland tours and the occasional deluxe ($100 - $400) and luxury ($400 - $600) packages from various tour operators in the country. One of the most enjoyable budget Switzerland tours on offer is the 9-day Grand Tour of Switzerland featuring the Bernina Express with Cosmos. The tour starts in Zurich where you get to meet your tour director and fellow travelers. From there, you are taken through some of the country's most famed...
Switzerland Flag
... is a Central European country known for its long tradition of political neutrality. According to history, Switzerland first became a nation in 1291. At the time, much of current History Of Switzerland territory of Switzerland was under the rule of the counts of Habsburg. Deciding to defend their rights against the Habsburgs, three cantons united and together they formed the beginning of what is known as the Old Swiss Confederacy. By 1513, several cantons have also joined the Confederacy. The member states of the Confederacy did not actually tried to build a nation. In fact, until 1648, Switzerland was still considered a part of the German Empire, whose emperor in the 13th century was identified as the protector of Christianity and carried with him a flag with the cross as a holy sign. Moreover, the German emperor also carried with him a blood-red flag, which symbolized his power over life and death. These two elements were later on incorporated in the present Switzerland flag, but before that, the Switzerland flag had to undergo...
Switzerland Chocolate
The locals did not take to it and the mill had to be converted for use in the production of flour. Nevertheless, other Switzerland chocolate factories appeared all over the western regions before the end of the century. Places like Vevey, Lausanne, Morges, and History Of Switzerland the Blenio Valley in canton Ticino were the first sites of Switzerland chocolate factories with the first chocolate shop opening in Bern in 1792. How Switzerland Chocolate Goes From Tree to Sweet Switzerland chocolate comes from the beans of the pod-bearing cacao tree. After harvest and removing the beans from the pods, they are left to ferment for some days in order to remove some of the bitterness. Fermentation is followed by sun-drying, after which the beans are crushed, their husks removed. Then, the beans are roasted, grinded, and liquefied to produce a thick paste, known as "chocolate liquor." By the end of the whole...
Map Of Switzerland
... way around Switzerland? Or do you simply want to know that you are in the place where you are supposed to be and have a map of Switzerland handy to confirm that? In either case, a map of Switzerland is not hard to come by. In fact, almost all travel brochures and magazines will contain a map of the country you are visiting, in this case, Switzerland. Alternatively, you can also log in to the Internet and perform a search for a map of Switzerland that you can use when you travel. We have searched all over the Internet for websites offering a good map of Switzerland and gathered them all here in one article to make it easier for you. Below are a few examples of such websites: Map.Search.ch/index.en.html Search.ch is a directory of maps of countries in the world. It offers an interactive map of Switzerland that allows you to zoom in...
Lugano Switzerland
Lugano Switzerland: Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli The church houses the magnificent frescoes dating back to the 16th century by Bernardino Luini. Located just a few hundred yards from the busy highway, the Chiesa di Santa Maria History Of Switzerland degli Angioli remarkably exudes a sense of calm. Gandria For one of the most picturesque places in Lugano Switzerland, go to the tiny enclave of Gandria on the eastern side of Lake Lugano. A new roadway has been constructed along the hillside just above the village to connect Lugano to Italy's Lake Como, so what was previously only accessible by foot or by boat can now be accessed by car or even bicycle. Be sure to take the path around the foot of Bre where you will walk or ride past the lovely Path of Flowers and the Park of Olives. Cattedrale San Lorenzo Located below the main train station and right on...
Brienz Switzerland
... also another option you have to get to Brienz Switzerland. This is great if you like to add a dash of adventure before you finally relax at your chosen hotel or hostel in Brienz Switzerland. However, you will have to cover a lot of ground. The good news is that this particular region of Switzerland has highly developed walking trails. They are well-groomed and often lead away from nearly every intersection, thus making your hike much more enjoyable and close to nature. Top Attractions For a destination of relatively low profile, Brienz Switzerland offers a cornucopia of wonderful sights and activities for you to enjoy. Foremost among its top attractions is the Viewpoint in Jungfraujoch. History Of Switzerland Considered as the granddaddy of all high-altitude excursions, it is here in Jungfraujoch that you will find the highest railroad station in the world. To get there, just take the green cogwheel Wengernalp Railway from Lauterbrunnen station up the wooded mountainside. If you like to immerse in Swiss...
Travel Information In Switzerland
... you like is fully booked. Switzerland's Currency Swiss franc is the official currency of the country, abbreviated as CHF. Banknotes issued denominations are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 CHF. Look up the current rate of your currency with Francs before your time of travel to have a general idea of how much everything will cost for you. Switzerland Transportation There are more than thirteen-thousand miles of train, boat, and bus routes that Swiss transportation serves. Train is the most convenient and efficient means of traveling within the Switzerland with rail passes obtainable to help settle the cost of this part of your Switzerland vacation. Dining in Swiss Restaurants and Tipping Lunches are most often affordable than the same meal during dinner. Seek the plate of the day as it tends to be less expensive. Beer is cheaper than soft drinks and more readily obtainable. Tipping is common and usually 5% of the total, although meals include service charge. These are...
Skiing In Switzerland
... foot of the most famous mountain in Switzerland, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free resort that offers skiing in Switzerland among various things. The resort combines the beautiful scenery of an Alpine village with the sophistication of a prime holiday destination, making it History Of Switzerland one of the top places to visit when you go to Switzerland. The Zermatt provides its guests with a modern lift system, practical holiday apartments, attractive hotels and friendly hosts. In addition to the 1,620-3,882 meters of skiing right at its doorstep, the Zermatt may also prove to be a great starting point for skiing in Italy with no less than 62 mountain trains providing you access across the border. Andermatt-Gotthard For the most reliable areas for snow cover in Switzerland, Andermatt in the Ursern Valley is the place to go. The Valley is surrounded by the magnificent mountain passes of...
Switzerland
Another mode of entry to Switzerland is by railway. Trains are extremely common and they arrive from everywhere in Europe. As one of the two most central-lying countries in Europe (Germany being the other one), Switzerland proves to be a hub of railways and highways to the rest of Europe. Getting Around Switzerland has one of the best transportations in the world. Their trains are swift and always prompt. Their buses are clean. And they have nearly half a dozen different kinds of transport systems that go through the mountains. Note that while many of the bus routes go through the scenic Alps, there is actually no intercity bus network. Moreover, you are also given a multitude of discount options, such as half fare cards, multi-use tickets, and multi-day cards. Generally, there is at least one train or bus on every route every hour. In fact, there...
Switzerland Travel
With approximately 50,000 km worth of trails, you can rest assured that your Switzerland travel hiking adventure will lead you through all kinds of terrain with dramatic views of this stunningly beautiful country. Mountain Sports For the adventurer at heart or those who want to try something with a little more edge, Switzerland travel also offers plenty of opportunities. Mountain sports such as climbing, ski touring, ice climbing, deep-snow skiing, heli-skiing, glacier walking, and snow boarding are but only a few. Accommodations come in the form of alpine huts and chalets. However, if you have decided to spend your Switzerland travel vacation in Geneva, there are a variety of ski resorts where you can check in. Portes de Soleil, for instance, is excellent for traveling families with its cluster of small resorts that form a large skiing circuit straddling the French-Swiss border. Cycling Another excellent activity you can enjoy while on a Switzerland travel vacation is cycling. Do not let the mountainous terrain fool you into thinking that the...
Swiss Watches Switzerland
... production costs. What they did was to relegate the making of the component parts to homeworkers or small workshops in villages. After they were done, the parts are then sent to the craftsmen of Geneva, who will then add their finishing touches to the Swiss watches Switzerland. An important thing to note about watches before the advent of wristwatches in the 20th century is that they were more decorative pieces than practical timekeepers. Watches during the early times were highly decorative and they could be worn on chains, looped through a belt, in the pocket, etc. The Swiss watches Switzerland used a technique of applying a layer of transparent enamel over a painting in order to enhance their look. This made them more attractive to buyers who consider watches as much articles of jewelry as a practical device used to keep note of the time. In the 20th century, Switzerland was again at the forefront of innovation when it invented the first quartz watch. However, Swiss watchmakers failed to capitalize on...
Hiking Switzerland
... peaks towering over History Of Switzerland green meadows. It is here that you will get spectacular views of Europe's most beautiful mountain scenery, including Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger. If you want something off the beaten path, then head on over to Gimmelwald near Murren or Wilderswil at the mouth of Lauterbrunnen valley. The first offers you beautiful views of the valley, plus accommodations in the form of a youth hostel and pension houses. The second provides you the unique experience of a small Swiss town. Engadine Considered as the greatest hiking Switzerland region of all, Engadine in the canton of Graubunden is located in the southeastern portion of the country. It is a destination prized not only for the spectacular hiking it affords but also for the ambience, culture, and architecture it provides. Where to Stay Unlike in other hiking destinations in the world, backpacking or camping is not a...
Switzerland Cheap Air Travel
... scrimp on travel expenses as much as possible or simply want to find the best deal there is on a flight, the way to go is always through Switzerland cheap air travel. Switzerland cheap air travel is for those who understand that saving a bundle on airfares can work to your benefit. Now, instead of drilling a hole in your wallet on a single flight, you can apply your travel funds to the rest of your vacation and have a truly History Of Switzerland memorable time exploring the Swiss Alps and partaking of the famous Swiss cheese and chocolates. At any rate, there is only negligible difference between a coach seat on an inexpensive airline and one on the six major airlines - American, United, Delta, Northwest, Continental, and US Airways. When searching for Switzerland cheap air travel,...
Switzerland Info
... array of regional and local microclimates, mainly due to its mountainous landscape. In the south, Ticino has a warm, Mediterranean weather; however, the majority of the rest of country enjoys a central European weather. During summers, the temperatures are usually in low to mid 20 C, and during the winter between 2 to 6 C. Travelers have to be ready for a variety of temperatures reliant on altitude. For those who want to enjoy outdoor pursuits, except skiing, summer is the best and most agreeable time to visit. Switzerland Info #2 - People, Society, and Language Switzerland is a mixture of cultures with populace of German at about 63.7%, Italian 6.4%, French 20.4%, Romansch 0.5%, and other about nine percent. There is also a blend of religion from Roman Catholics, to Protestants, to Muslims, to Orthodox Christian, and others. There are also four main languages spoken in the country where French, Italian, and German are the official languages, and Romansch is...