Swiss American Historical Society Review
Keywords
Swiss War of Independence, Swiss Confederation, Habsburg, Swabian War
Abstract
Exactly 500 years ago, the Swiss Confederation faced the final threat to its existence by the Habsburg family, and the occurrence is noteworthy for several reasons. The Swabian War was the last of a series of conflicts reaching back centuries in which the Swiss states had to ward off determined invasions from an external foe. Significantly, they did not have to do so again for nearly three centuries when the French armies overran the Confederation in 1798. The Swabian War also ended the threat of Habsburg or Austrian domination which had been a serious menace for many generations. The survival of the Swiss experience was thus assured meaning that the unique features of the Confederation and its society would survive and eventually provide an example of democracy, personal freedom, toleration, and cooperation that would gain the attention and admiration of much of Western civilization.
Recommended Citation
Winkler, Albert
(1999)
"The Swabian War of 1499: 500 Years Since Switzerland's Last War of Independence,"
Swiss American Historical Society Review: Vol. 35:
No.
3, Article 5.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review/vol35/iss3/5