Also see: The Swiss Guard on our Switzerland page. International Switzerland Switzerland avoided being invaded during both world wars, although the Germans did prepare plans for a World War II invasion, and the Allies mistakenly bombed several Swiss towns in , including Basel, Schaffhausen, and Zurich.
Switzerland drew some criticism for its failure to accept more than the 27, Jewish refugees it did take in during the war. The Swiss federal Bundeshaus legislative building in Bern, Switzerland. About 22 percent in western Switzerland speak French, while Italian represents about eight percent mostly in the southern canton of Ticino.
Only a small minority less than one percent of the Swiss speak Romansch. A standing Helvetia figure is featured on the Swiss two-franc coin resting her hand on the Swiss coat of arms. Helvetia is also the symbolic Swiss female figure similar to the US Lady Liberty that dates from the late s, and is also depicted on some Swiss coins. That name is derived from the Celtic Helvetii people who first entered the area around B.
Helvetia was also the Roman name for the region that is now western Switzerland. Switzerland Today Modern Switzerland has maintained its independent, isolationist, neutral attitude by refusing to join the European Union or to use the euro currency.
The Swiss franc CHF has been in use since Switzerland did not become a full member of the United Nations until General Dufour leads the victorious federal troops. The leader of the conservative flees into Roman exile. The Principles of this constitution are still valid today. More than , Swiss catholics leave the church. When Bishop Lachat of Basel tries to exclude priests opposing the dogma, cantonal governments intervene and force him to resign, 84 priests supporting him are expelled.
Marriages, birth and death certificates are controlled by state authorities instead of the church. This is the key element of Switzerland's unique system of Direct Democracy. Industrialisation, Traffic, Tourism, Communication - Industrialisation Switzerland is one of the first industrialised countries in Europe. Until some 40, more emigrate. Swiss Federal Railways start operating in Armed neutrality works when surrounded by warfaring nations. Inner conflicts, general strike and world economic crisis hit this industrialised country severely.
The government puts down the strike by military force, but the demands have to be complied with in the following decades one by one. Thousands of German refugees jews, intellectuals are accepted. Socialists and trade unions seek cooperation with liberal employers against fascist threat.
Trade unions are accepted as representatives of the workers and renounce on strikes. The agreement is a first fruit of Spiritual Defense and prepares the ground for Switzerland's exceptionally cooperative climate between unions and entrepreneurs. Some trade with Hitler was inevitable for sheer survival and the survival of more than , refugees.
Other, not inevitable aspects were: Too rigid refugee politics 25, sent back , uncritical collaboration in case of looted assets and accepting stolen gold. Since Prosperity Recent history is characterized by political stability, economic progress, increased social security and a new openness and tolerance. The bilateral accords comprise the key features of the European Economic Area with specific modifications.
Human Evolution in Africa. Weapons and tools made from iron. Helvetians stopped by roman commander C. Germanic tribes set an end to the Roman Empire and build new states and empires in Europe. Three valleys in Central Switzerland unite against the counts of Habsburg and fight for autonomy.
Switzerland's document of birth. A first strategic alliance with a partner outside the narrow valleys around Lake Lucerne. All major forces around the Lakes of Lucerne, Zurich and Zug "on board". Final defeat for Habsburg. Habsburg banned, the Swiss Confederacy profits by the opportunity to conquer Habsburg's family estate. Zurich allies with Habsburg and fights against Schwyz and Glarus for the succession to the extinct counts of Toggenburg.
Pope bans duke Friedrich IV. Rural central Switzerland is not eager to admit two more cities to the confederacy. Troops of Bern and central Switzerland take different sides in battle between the French king and Italian dukes and are defeated.
The horse post coaches were replaced by post cars from Trains and post cars still play a major role in today's transportation. Most places in Switzerland can be reached by public transport, or sometimes by public transport only. The rail station and post office often are central places in many towns, where one also finds other services like the tourist information, ATM's and shops.
Switzerland maintained its neutrality during the First World War between and , although there were differing opinions among Swiss communities. The civilian army was mobilized which affected wages, while food prices doubled. This period shows a shift away from production towards services, which is still an important sector in Switzerland. Switzerland also did not get involved in the Second World War between and Germany made clear that it did not appreciate a country with such a cultural diversity, as it did not fit their racist philosophy and propaganda.
Certain Swiss politicians inclined towards a policy of conciliation with the Nazis. Censors tried to suppress journalistic resistance against the Nazis, and the granting of asylum to refugees was severely limited at the German's behest.
Switzerland emphasized its ability to defend itself in order to prevent being attacked, and mobilized everyone eligible for militairy service. With a lot of difficulty Switzerland managed to maintain its neutrality again. In many respects, thriving Switzerland makes rather progressive choices.
There are far-reaching measurements in order to protect the environment and living conditions, the services sector is of excellent quality, there is modern industry, a good network of transportation and the population has a great deal of influence on political decisions such as the construction of major infrastructural projects.
However, in other areas, choices that have been made in surrounding countries are adopted by the Swiss rather late: it was not until that the Swiss chose to entitle women to vote. The choice to be neutral and independent that had been made years earlier resulted in a large majority of the population that voted against joining in the UN United Nations in Switzerland did accept to actively join some special agencies and UN-programs. One of the results was the establishment of the European UN headquarters in Geneva.
Switzerland does not share the opinion of many other countries to have a single European currency. For the time being, the country holds on to its Swiss franc while surrounding countries are using the Euro. Swiss neutrality remains subject of discussion. By that, many trading barriers between the involved countries were cleared. In March , the Swiss people again got the chance to express their opinion on participating in the UN United Nations. President Villiger emphasized that Switzerland joins the UN as a neutral country, always in accordance with the wishes of the Swiss people but in the interest of global solidarity as well.
It allowed Switzerland to simplify border checks as surrounding countries were Schengen members already, and checks on the external borders of Schengen are very strict. Active participation to Schengen started on 12 December, Switzerland is not a member of the European Union or the Eurozone countries using the uro as their currency. Meanwhile, other important decisions have been made too. Switzerland is a major transit country for both passengers and freight between northern and southern Europe.
The Swiss people voted for expanding rail traffic rather than road traffic, although maintaining existing roads is a priority too. As a result, sensitive alpine regions remain attractive to locals and tourists, CO 2 emission is limited, traveling times are reduced and transport capacity is growing.
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