Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/05. Europe • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Switzerland, sourced from Wikipedia's "Timeline of Swiss history".
Chronological Storyline (27 Milestones)
Aug 1, 1291 CE
Waldstätte
The three Waldstätte of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden signed the Federal Charter of 1291 establishing the Old Swiss Confederacy, a confederation for mutual defense and the adjudication of disputes. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (13th century):
Map of the Waldstätten, Switzerland. It depicts the four socalled Waldstätten (Forest Cities/Cantons) Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne. By Unknown author - [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1061939
Nov 8, 1307 CE
Canton of Uri
The leaders of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden swore the Rütlischwur, an oath of unity and common defense, on the Rütli above Lake Lucerne. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
Logo of the canton of Uri, Switzerland By Unknown author - https://www.ur.ch/images/7efd64d.svg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112745718
Nov 15, 1315 CE
Battle of Morgarten
Battle of Morgarten. Swiss infantry ambushed and destroyed much of a Habsburg heavy cavalry army near Lake Ägeri. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
The Battle of Morgarten on 15 November 1315 (with a depiction of the court jester Kuony von Stocken). By Bendicht Tschachtlan. - The Tschachtlanchronik, Zentralbibliothek Zürich (Zurich Central Library), Switzerland., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=372605
Dec 9, 1315 CE
Following the victory at Morgarten, Uri,
Following the victory at Morgarten, Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden sign a second Federal Charter strengthening the Confederacy. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
1332 CE
Canton of Lucerne
Lucerne signs a mutual protection treaty with the three Confederates. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
Jan 29, 1367 CE
League of God's House
Creation of the League of God's House in the Canton of Graubünden to resist the Bishopric of Chur and the Habsburgs. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
Flag of the League of God's house and of the diocese of Chur, Switzerland By Unknown - Own work based on: Wappen Gotteshausbund.svg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=154602623
Jul 9, 1386 CE
Battle of Sempach
Battle of Sempach. Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Zürich decisively defeat a Habsburg army. The victory begins to change the Confederation from a loose pact into a unified entity and allows expansion into former Habsburg lands. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
Swiss pike square in the battle near Sempach on the 9th of July, 1386. Painting by Hans Ulrich Wegmann (1638/41) from the Battle Chapel at Sempach. By Adrian Michael - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11102927
Feb 14, 1395 CE
Grey League
Creation of the Grey League in Graubünden as the abbot of Disentis Abbey, the Baron of Rhäzüns and the Baron of Sax-Misox sign an eternal alliance. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (14th century):
Die Entstehung des Freistaats der Drei Bünde bis 1512 By Marco Zanoli (sidonius 15:49, 30 June 2006 (UTC)) - own work; basiert auf: Adolf Gasser und Ernst Keller, Historische Karte zur territorialen Entwicklung der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft 1291–1797. o.O. 1932 und Hektor Amman / Karl Schib (Hrsg.): Historischer Atlas der Schweiz. Sauerländer, Aarau 1958, 41., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2050250
Apr 30, 1436 CE
Counts of Toggenburg
Death of Friedrich VII of Toggenburg, without an heir. Competing land claims in eastern Switzerland and western Austria led to the Old Zurich War. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (15th century):
Landeshoheit der Grafen von Toggenburg 1436 beim Tod des letzten Toggenburgers By Marco Zanoli (sidonius 09:19, 3 July 2006 (UTC)) - own work, Quelle: Hektor Ammann und Karl Schib (Hrsg.): Historischer Atlas der Schweiz. Sauerländer, Aarau 1958, S. 44., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=915821
Jun 8, 1436 CE
League of the Ten Jurisdictions
Creation of the League of the Ten Jurisdictions in Graubünden after the extinction of the Counts of Toggenburg. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (15th century):
Die Entstehung des Freistaats der Drei Bünde bis 1512 By Marco Zanoli (sidonius 15:49, 30 June 2006 (UTC)) - own work; basiert auf: Adolf Gasser und Ernst Keller, Historische Karte zur territorialen Entwicklung der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft 1291–1797. o.O. 1932 und Hektor Amman / Karl Schib (Hrsg.): Historischer Atlas der Schweiz. Sauerländer, Aarau 1958, 41., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2050250
1440 CE
Old Zurich War
Old Zurich War between Zurich and the Habsburgs against the remainder of the Confederation over the Toggenburg lands. At the end of the war, Zurich had to dissolve its alliance with the Habsburgs and rejoin the Confederation. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (15th century):
Der Alte Zürichkrieg 1436–1450 By Marco Zanoli (sidonius 20:10, 23 August 2006 (UTC)) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1084024
Sep 23, 1524 CE
Three Leagues
The Free State of the Three Leagues is formed from the League of God's House, the Grey League and the League of the Ten Jurisdictions Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (16th century):
Il file originale è stato modificato dall'utente che l'ha caricata e rilasciata come: L'immagine originale è licenziata in: By Original uploader was Elvezio at it.wikipedia - Transferred from it.wikipedia Transfer was stated to be made by User:OwenBlacker., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3256247
Oct 1, 1648 CE
The Peace of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia ends the Thirty Years War and contains a special provision on Switzerland, endorsing the process begun in 1499. With this treaty, European powers recognise the Swiss Confederation as an independent state. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (17th century):
Historical City Hall, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, GermanyConstruction of the current town hall began in 1375 in the Gothic style and was largely completed by 1390. From then on, it served as the seat of the municipal administration and as a symbol of local self-government. At the beginning of the 17th century, the town wine house was built as an annex.In 1648, the town hall gained special historical significance when the Peace of Westphalia was negotiated and finally concluded in the building’s Peace Hall. This peace ended the Thirty Years’ War and is considered a milestone in European history. Over the centuries, the town hall has been renovated and expanded several times. In the 19th century, restorations were carried out that preserved the Gothic character of the building. During the Second World War, the town hall was severely damaged, but reconstruction began as early as the 1950s, largely restoring its historic appearance. By Dietmar Rabich - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35093032
Jan 28, 1798 CE
French invasion of Switzerland
The French Invasion of Switzerland begins, ending in late May. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (18th century):
Auteur(s): Girardet, Abraham (Le Locle, 30–11–1764 - Paris, 02–01–1823), auteur du modèle Girardet, Abraham (Le Locle, 30–11–1764 - Paris, 02–01–1823), dessinateur Berthault, Pierre-Gabriel (Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, 16–12–1737 - Paris, 03–03–1831), graveur Autres titres : Directoire. Entrée des troupes française des généraux Brune et Schauenburg à Berne (Suisse) le 6 mars 1798 (16 ventose An VI), 133ème planche (numéroté 142) des Tableaux Historiques de la Révolution française (1791-1817). (Titre factice), De Janvier à Décembre 1798. L'entrée des Français dans Rome à l'entrée des Français dans le Piémont. (Titre de la série) Date de production: Vers 1793 — 1803 Type(s) d'objet(s): Estampe, Arts graphiques, Révolution française Dénomination(s): Estampe Matériaux et techniques: Eau-forte Dimensions - Oeuvre: Hauteur : 27.4 cm Largeur : 33 cm Dimensions - Montage ancien: Hauteur : 32.5 cm Largeur : 50 cm Description: Fait partie des Tableaux historiques de la Révolution française (1791-1817) : 144 gravures (depuis la transformation des Etats Généraux en Assemblée Nationale le 20 juin 1789). Marques, inscriptions, poinçons: Inscription concernant le titre - Au recto de la gravure, en bas au centre, imprimée à l'encre noire : "ENTREE TRIOMPHANTE DES FRANCAIS DANS BERNE, le 25 Ventose An 6e de la République". \ impression Inscription concernant l'auteur - Au recto de la gravure, sous le trait carrée, imprimée à l'encre noire, en bas à gauche : "Girardet inv. et del." et à droite : "Berthault Sculp.". \ impression Tampon - Au recto de la gravure, au centre à droite, tampon à l'encre violette : "COLLECTION * LIESVILLE * / VILLE / DE / PARIS" (Cf. Lugt suppl. 1681b : tampon apposé dès mars 1880). \ impression Numéro d'inventaire - Au recto de la gravure, en bas à droite, manuscrit au crayon gras : "G.29220". \ Inscription au crayon Numéro de série - Au recto de la gravure, en haut à droite, imprimée à l'encre noire : "Nº142". \ impression Description iconographique: Entrée des troupes française du général Schauenburg à Berne (Suisse) le 6 mars 1798 (16 ventose An VI), 133ème planche (numéroté 142) des Tableaux Historiques de la Révolution française (1791-1817). Scène historique, campagne militaire de Bonaparte Hélvète. Paysage urbain, fleuve Aar, vue prise de la terrasse, architecture civile, maison, tour carrée romane, montagne. Militaires, hussards à cheval, canon, artilleurs, fantassins, attelage, mode suisse, arbres. Commentaire historique: Sur les T.H.R.F. Cf. CARG028380. Le général Schauenburg entre à Soleure et Brune à Fribourg le 2 mars 1798 et tous deux attaquent Berne le 6 mars (16 ventose An VI), cf. J. Massin, Almanach de la Rév. fr. 1965, t.2, p.85. Selon le catalogue De Vinck, cette vue est inspirée d'une gravure de Dequvauviller d'après Pérignon. Sur la date de leur entrée à Berne, cf. livre d'inventaire. Mode d'acquisition: Don manuel Nom du donateur, testateur, vendeur: Liesville, Alfred de, vicomte Date d’acquisition: AA 03–1880 Institution: Musée Carnavalet, Histoire de Paris Numéro d’inventaire: G.29220 IIIF Manifest: https://apicollections.parismusees.paris.fr/iiif/320037736/manifest By Abraham Girardet - This image has been extracted from another file, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151169774
Jun 1, 1843 CE
Zürich
The first Schweizerisches Gesangsfest, a singing festival, was held in Zürich. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (19th century):
Zürich, Switzerland By Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46636631
Nov 3, 1847 CE
Sonderbund War
Sonderbund War: In the midst of a political crisis, troops from Uri, a member of the Sonderbund, a separate alliance of Catholic cantons of Switzerland, seized the Gotthard Pass between the northern and southern halves of the country. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (19th century):
Map of the Sonderbund War in Switzerland 1847. By Translation by User:Sandstein, original by Marco Zanoli (Sidonius) - English translation of File:Sonderbund.png based on File:Sonderbund-blank.png, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11023578
Sep 12, 1848 CE
constitution
A new constitution was issued establishing Switzerland as a federal state with a bicameral Federal Assembly. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (19th century):
constitution By Unknown author - This file was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the Archives Nationales as part of a cooperation project with Wikimédia France., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28427170
Apr 19, 1874 CE
constitution
The constitution was revised to establish free public education and the optional referendum, and to make it easier for Swiss citizens to move between cantons. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (19th century):
constitution By Unknown author - This file was provided to Wikimedia Commons by the Archives Nationales as part of a cooperation project with Wikimédia France., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=28427170
Jun 19, 1877 CE
Aare
The Aare flooded, causing significant damage. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (19th century):
View from the Nydegg bridge on the river Aaare in Bern, Switzerland. By Daniel Schwen - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2847519
Sep 30, 1918 CE
Zürich
Bankers in Zürich walked out in their first ever strike amidst growing unrest over the rising cost of living. A local general strike then broke out in support of their demand a pay rise and was successful. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
Zürich, Switzerland By Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46636631
Jan 10, 1920 CE
League of Nations
The League of Nations, an intergovernmental organization established for the purposes of collective security and international arbitration, came into existence, with Switzerland among its founding members. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
Emblem of the League of Nations in 1939. Note that the League of Nations (LoN) never had any official flag, logo or emblem. This flag was used at the 1939 New York World's Fair. So, this is a flag of the LoN (to make it recognisable in this big event) and not the flag of the LoN. In addition, the League ceased its effective activities a few months after the beginning of the Fair because of the World War, the decision to create this flag is therefore not the product of a consultation between States but a simple illustration for communication purposes. By Martin Grandjean This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape . - Strictly based on a flag kept by the League of Nations Archives (United Nations Geneva)., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71926201
1934 CE
Creates numbered bank accounts, giving account
Creates numbered bank accounts, giving account holder anonymity. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
Jul 12, 1958 CE
The Swiss government announced its intention
The Swiss government announced its intention to develop and build a nuclear arsenal. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
May 6, 1963 CE
Council of Europe
Switzerland joined the Council of Europe, a body dedicated to the promotion of good governance and human rights in Europe. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
The Flag of Europe is the flag and emblem of the European Union (EU) and Council of Europe (CoE). It consists of a circle of 12 golden (yellow) stars on a blue background. It was created in 1955 by the CoE and adopted by the EU, then the European Communities, in the 1980s. The CoE and EU are distinct in membership and nature. The CoE is an international organisation with 46 members, dealing with human rights and rule of law, while the EU is a quasi-federal union of 27 states, focused on economic integration and political cooperation. Today, the flag is mostly associated with the latter. It was the intention of the CoE that the flag should come to represent Europe as a whole, and since its adoption the membership of the CoE covers nearly the entire Europe by the number of states involved, although only a little over half of the European continent by territory. This is why the EU adopted the same flag. The flag has been used to represent Europe in sporting events and as a pro-democracy banner outside the European Union. By User:Verdy p, User:-xfi-, User:Paddu, User:Nightstallion, User:Funakoshi, User:Jeltz, User:Dbenbenn, User:Zscout370 - File created by various Wikimedia users (see "Author"). File based on the specification given at [1]., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2615952
Feb 7, 1971 CE
A referendum granting women the right
A referendum granting women the right to vote in federal elections was approved with sixty-six percent of the vote. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
Sep 24, 1978 CE
French language
A referendum approved the secession of the French-speaking canton of Jura from the mostly German-speaking canton of Bern. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (20th century):
The French language in the world States where French is the majority native language (Dots: cities with native transmission, typically a minority) States where it is an official de jure language States where it is an administrative language or culturally important but without official status The following things have been changed from the old "Map-Francophone World.png": Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are no longer fully colored in light blue, this is because French is not used there very much these days. Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mali, Burkina Faso and the Western Togoland area of Ghana have been colored light blue, because the French language is widely used but it has no official status. By aaker (original PNG file: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New-Map-Francophone_World.PNG ) - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44844704
Sep 10, 2002 CE
United Nations
Switzerland joined the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization devoted to the preservation of world peace and economic development. Source — Wikipedia, "Timeline of Swiss history" (21st century):
Flag of the United Nations By See File history below for details. Denelson83, Zscout370 ve Madden - Flag of the United Nations from the Open Clip Art website. Modifications by Denelson83, Zscout370 and Madden. Official construction sheet here.(1946-present United Nations) The United Nations flag code and regulations, as amended November 11, 1952, New York. Archived from the original on 13 September 2001. Retrieved on 2 December 2023. OCLC: 7548838., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=437460
