Short History Of Switzerland and Culture
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In the 1st century BC the land which would later become Switzerland came under Roman Rule during the Gallic Wars and it stayed that way for the next five hundred years. Because of its prime mountainous location, and placement so many highly volatile areas, the early people of Switzerland developed a reputation for commerce.
The cities of Zurich, Basel and Geneva grew and flourished under the austere practices of the early Swiss people. They were connected by early Roman military roadways and this led to the further economic gain. In no time, Switzerland's three major cities were known for their opportunities and financial prowess.
After the fall of Rome, the beautiful Swiss valleys passed from ruler to ruler. They maintained a limited autonomy and continued to flourish, even as other European nations felt their growth restricted or limited. By the early 13th century an important trade route was established across the Alps and this further solidified the area's autonomy. It also gave the early Swiss communities the financial wherewithal to enforce more local control.
With this new found autonomy the largest families of the area, the Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden pledged their mutual support for each other in order to protect their community. This new charter of independence gave birth to the nation of Switzerland on August 1, 1291. Today the Swiss people celebrate Switzerland's National Day each year on this date.
Over the next two hundred years the new country of Switzerland proved itself in battles with its neighbors, developing a reputation as a powerful warrior nation. They also conquered nearby communities, growing their new nation. In 1499 they earned their complete independence from the Holy Roman Empire and continued their path of growth by forced acquisition.
In 1515 the Swiss army suffered a stunning defeat by the French and Venetians in Solferino near Milan, and immediately decided to abandon their forced expansionist policies. For the next 400 years Switzerland developed and maintained a strict practice of neutrality.
They avoided conflicts, yet sustained their allies. Their soldiers, still known for their military prowess, became the most sought after hired mercenaries in the world. Swiss mercenaries form the Swiss Guard of the Pope and remain on duty today.
The closest Switzerland came to violating its strict self-imposed practice of neutrality was during World War I, when members of its French, German and Italian population began to choose sides. They did avoid involvement in both the first Great War and World War II. Though the nation of Switzerland was completely surrounded by German forces during WWII it remained completely neutral.
As European nations began to seek unity, Switzerland remained aloof, resisting all efforts at integration until 1963 when it finally joined the Council of Europe. It did help form the European Free Trade Area in 1960 but otherwise has stayed mostly outside the fold.
Switzerland history is the foundation of a great nation, admitted to the United Nations in 2002, but today, due to its continued practice of neutrality, it remains outside the European Union.
