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Period: 202 to Jan 1, 1291
Ruled by the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne's Empire, and the Germanic Empire
Before 1291 C. E. the land that is now Present Day Switzerland was ruled by varying empires. These empires included the Holy Roman Empire, Chalemagne's Empire, and the Germanic Empire. Due to constant battling, poor documentation, and border shifts, it is hard to say what empire ruled the land when. -
Jan 1, 1291
Swiss Confederation Created
Three Cantons, Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, unite together to fight against the Germanic forces for freedom. After beating the Germanic Empire, and gaining their freedom, these three Cantons united and create the Eidgenossenschaft, or in English, the Confederation. -
Period: Jan 1, 1332 to Jan 1, 1513
Additional Cantons Added to the Confederation
The Cantons, Luzern, Zurich, Glarus, Zug, Bern, Fribourg, Solothurn, Basel, Schaffhausen, and Appenzell join the Swiss Federation. -
Jan 1, 1522
The Reformation
The Reformation occurs. Switzerland splits into two partds due to religious reasons. Northern Switzerland is for change and mainly Protestant. Southern Switzerland remains Roman Catholic. -
Independence
Switzerland declares Independence. Rather than being a group of Cantons, Switzerland is officially a Nation. -
Cantons Added to Switzerland
Sankt Gallen, Graubunden, Thurgau, Ticino, Aargau, and Vaud join the Swiss Federation. -
Neutrality
Switzerland declares Neutrality. This means that Switzerland will never get involved with foreign affairs or wars. -
Cantons Added to Switzerland
Valais, Neuchatel, and Geneve join the Swiss Federation. Switzerland now has its final borders. -
Constitution
Constitution Written. Now not only a Union of States, but an official Confederation. The Swiss Constitution was loosely based on that of the United States of America. -
Red Cross
Foundation of the Red Cross. The Red Cross is an international organization used to help other countries that need medical or dietary aid. -
Railroads
Railways developed across the Alps. Now communication and transportation can easily be made both within Switzerland and within Europe. -
Women's Rights
Women obtain the right to vote. However it is only in the Canton of Vaud. -
New Canton
Members from the Canton Bern, break off and start a new Canton called Jura. -
Women's Rights
Appenzell is forced by Switzerland to give women the right to vote. Now women have the right to vote within all Cantons. -
Women's Rights
Ruth Dreifuss becomes the first female Bundesrat, otherwise knwon as president in English. -
Constitution
A New Constitution is adopted within Switzerland that clarifies some things left out of the old one. However the basic form of the government and ways of life is Switzerland stays the same. -
European Union
Switzerland accepts the laws of the European Union. However Switzerland does not become an official member in order to keep its high status as a country and its freedoms. Switzerland acceps the laws of the European Union in order to keep peace within Europe. -
United Nations
Switzerland joins the United Nations.