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Switzerland
A Great Historical Neutral-Ground

by Norman E. Hill; photos by Maralyn D. Hill, 'The Tandem Travelers'

Over decades and centuries, Switzerland has seen some number of conflicts, both political and religious, against external and internal enemies. Even so, the country has been peaceful compared to Europe as a whole. For several centuries, Switzerland has enjoyed neutrality and an image as a neutral haven.

One unique aspect of the Swiss is that they are a combination of German, French, and Italian ethnicities. Also, Protestant and Catholic religions co-exist side by side. In the rest of Europe, these three ethnic groups have fought savage battles against each other. The Thirty Years War was a horrific conflict which started, at least, with the Protestant Reformation pitted against the entrenched Catholic Church.

It is true that the Swiss German language is different from other German (or Austrian, for that matter) dialects. But French and Italian spoken in the country are considered about the same as in France and Italy. In a few smaller areas, Rumantsch, a Latin offshoot, is also spoken. Therefore, the question remains—how did such unlikely unity come about?

History—How Switzerland Was Formed
The phenomenon known as the “Swiss Confederation” started in 1291, when three organizations known as cantons allied against the Hapsburg Austrian Empire. These were German cantons, even though they rebelled against their powerful German—speaking neighbors. After several victories won by this confederation or league, other cantons joined them. After a brief civil conflict was resolved, several battles were fought with Burgundy and Austria again. By 1499, the confederation, now including French and Italian components, was practically free from the Austrian empire. In 1516 and 1521, the Swiss made treaties of alliance with France.

At this time, Zwingli and Calvin were eloquent advocates of the new Protestantism. Five of the Catholic cantons fought against this trend and, in subsequent hostilities, Zwingli himself was killed. After 1531, it was agreed that each canton was free to adopt its own religion. Even though Zwingli’s successor, John Calvin, stayed in Geneva so that it became a European Protestant center, the religious conflict seemed settled.

Afterwards, there were other internal and external conflicts. Internally, a war between dominant aristocratic factions and dissatisfied peasants and farmers resulted in victory for the former group. Externally, because of Switzerland’s alliance with France, the former often was forced to provide mercenary troops to help the French kings.

Napoleon set up a centralized Swiss republic, which replaced the old confederation. Decades of conflicts and unrest followed, partly involving Napoleonic conflicts and, later, between advocates of the old confederation system and those desiring more of the newer centralization. Even during these times, though, the degrees of prior European savagery and destruction were much less prevalent in Switzerland. The country’s neutrality was guaranteed by a post-Napoleonic Congress of Vienna.

Finally, in 1874 and 1891, the current Swiss Constitution was drawn up. A federal government exists, although each canton still has considerable legislative authority. Any group of 50,000 or more voters can propose amendments to the Constitution. After 1950, voting was gradually extended to women, with the last canton voting universal suffrage in 1991.

Current Historical Events
For centuries, Switzerland has been noted for its agricultural and dairy products. Even with its mountainous and skiing areas, there are even more portions very well suited for farming and milk and cheese products. As Europe industrialized in the 1800s, the Swiss became noted for several types of specialized manufactured products, such as watches. Chocolate production has also become prominent.

The country’s national defense stems from a national militia, instead of a national military draft or standing army. Membership in the militia is compulsory from ages 18 through 60. When all militia members are mobilized, the total is over 650,000. As part of this defensive consciousness, the Swiss have extensively fortified their frontiers.

Switzerland maintained neutrality throughout World War I, even though surrounded by Germany and Austria on one side and France and Italy on the other. For some years, the Russian Communist, Vladimir Nicholas Lenin, had been a refugee in Switzerland. With German financing, he went from his exiled home, back through Germany and into Russia, to foment revolution and, indirectly, aid the German cause.

After the War, the League of Nations was headquartered in Geneva. The neutral Swiss nation seemed a natural home for it. This little-remembered organization became obsolete by the middle 1930s.

In World War II, with Nazi dominance on the continent, maintaining this neutrality proved more difficult. Apparently, Swiss representatives assured Nazis that they would blow up all tunnels in the event of invasion. Although German foot soldiers could still have moved, the vaunted blitzkrieg offense of tanks and motorized vehicles would surely have been stalled.

No doubt, considerable funds of Nazi refugees remained in Swiss hands throughout the war. Although counts don’t appear available, some refugees themselves were protected in the country. Even so, Switzerland was pressured into commercial agreements with the Nazis and curtailed any press criticism of Germany.

With the possible exception of Sweden, Switzerland was the only European nation that did not suffer greatly from World War II. It emerged from the conflict with almost all industrial and agricultural property undamaged and an economy that was still strong.

More Current History
After World War II, when the Cold War heated up between the U.S. and Soviet Russia, the Swiss still managed to maintain neutrality.

Due considerably to its neutral status, the country assumed great importance and prestige as an international banking center. At times, this has been a mixed blessing. Some complaints have been made that the storied Swiss numbered bank accounts are havens for income tax evasion from other countries. Other charges have been hurled that, after World War II, some funds of Jewish refugees and their surviving relatives were not returned. The banking description, “gnomes of Zurich,” has sometimes been used as a negative connotation.

Even so, the importance of Swiss banking facilities and expertise to the world economy cannot be denied.

In so many ways, Switzerland is unique—period. Having knowledge of its history makes it easier to understand the great variety of tourist attractions in the country. This knowledge is a part of any traveler’s desire to see Switzerland again and again. I know that this fits exactly with my own desires.

Norman E. Hill - Author of the novel 'Winner & Final Chairman', Norm has added history and travel history writing to his repertoire during the past few years. He is part of the 'Tandem Travelers', plus he is a member of the International Food Wine & Travelers Writers Association. He is also part of the Books by Hills group - visit www.BooksByHills.com