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The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291. At that time it was an agreement for mutual self-defence between 4 small mountain cantons (states) within the German Empire who wanted to defend themselves from takeover by more powerful states and feudal rulers within the empire.
Over the next few centuries Switzerland grew as new territories joined. It gradually became effectively a group of independent countries, but legally they were all parts of the German Empire.
In 1648, at a peace treaty after the 30 years war, the German Empire finally recognised that the members of the Swiss Confederation were not part of the empire.
This continued until Napoleon invaded. He annexed parts of Switzerland and turned the rest into a client state.
The previous situation (many independent cantons) was re-instated in 1815.
It was only in 1848 that the members of the Swiss confederation agreed to form a federal state and have a permanent federal government. This is when Switzerland became one country.
What else can I help you with?
Why is Bern the capital of Switzerland?
Bern became the Swiss political capital in 1848.
When did Switzerland become multi-linguistic?
Switzerland became multi-linguistic systematically from 1958 to 1990.
What was the capital city of Switzerland in 1914?
The capital of Switzerland in 1914 was the same as it is now, Bern.
Where was bobsledding?
Bobsledding originated in Switzerland in 1890 and became an Olympic event in 1924. Women's bobsledding became an Olympic event in 2002.
What coutry was Albert Einstein a citizen of?
Albert Einstein became a citizen of Switzerland in 1901.
Who are indigenous people in Switzerland?
Before it became Switzerland the people worshiped paganistic gods like most other civilizations before organized religions were established. However, for as long as Switzerland has had a name, it has been predominantly Christian. It is likely that the Pope's Knights Templar were the original founders of Switzerland (off record) and with them they brought Christianity as a religion.
In 1999 Ruth Dreifuss became Switzerland's first woman president and also its first what president?
Jewish
In 1999 Ruth Dreifuss became Switzerland's first woman president and also its first president.?
Jewish
Where are the manufacturing plants for Nestle products?
International HQ: Vevey, Switzerland United States HQ: Glendale, California
How did Switzerland's nuetrality affect refugees in World War 1?
Switzerland became a haven for refugees during World War I. People felt safe there knowing the country wouldn't take sides and enter the war.
Where is the actor Richard Burton buried?
Sir Richard Francis Burton was born in Torquay in the county of Devon, England. He became famous for his translation of the "Thousand and One Nights" from Arabic into English.
How long has french been spoken in Switzerland?
French has been spoken in Switzerland for several centuries. It became one of the four official languages of the country in 1938, along with German, Italian, and Romansh. The French-speaking region of Switzerland, known as Romandy, is located mainly in the western part of the country.
