European Kingdoms

Switzerland

Not exactly part of Germany, Switzerland falls between the Western and Eastern Frankish nations, and was, for long periods of its history, controlled by Franks. It passed out of Roman control into Burgundian hands (AD 450-613), and was then under direct Frankish control (and was attached to Frankish Neustria (613-719)) until 843. It passed to the Middle Franks (based in Italy) until 869, and then the Germanic Franks until 888. From there it went back into Frankish Burgundian control (888-1032), and thence to the Franconian and later Holy Roman Emperors (1032-1648).

Modern Switzerland also encompasses the former county of Lugano.

1291

The Swiss confederation arises.

1313

With the death of John Parricide, any claim to the former Swabian duchy dies with him. Large areas of its territory have already gone to the established county of Württemberg and the margraviate of Baden. Territory formerly belonging to the Alemanni people also later forms parts of Austria (Vorarlberg), France (Alsace) and Switzerland, as well as the Bavarian Swabia region of Bavaria.

1355

The Confederation achieves full autonomy.

1513

Lugano becomes the property of Switzerland for the second and final time, following a brief period of ownership in 1501-1503. Between 1513-1798, it falls within the Bellinzona district. Following the French invasion of Switzerland under Napoleon Bonaparte, it is transferred to the canton of Lugano within the Helvetic republic between 1798-1803. It finds its final home within the canton of Ticino from 1803.

1648

Following the end of the Thirty Years War and the Treaty of Westphalia, Switzerland gains full independence from the Austrian-dominated Holy Roman Empire.

1798 - 1803

Switzerland is seized by the French First Republic, which reforms it into the Helvetian or Helvetic republic. Lugano is reorganised into the canton of Lugano, which unifies the former Landvogteien of Lugano, Mendrisio, Locarno and Valmaggia. Always rather stormy and unsettled, the Helvetian republic is abandoned in 1803 and Switzerland's confederation is re-established.

1812

The Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, rediscovers the 'lost' city of Petra, ancient capital of the Nabataeans.

1815

Switzerland's 'perpetual neutrality' is guaranteed by the Congress of Vienna, following the conclusion of the Napoleonic Wars against France.

1845 - 1847

A constitutional crises escalates into civil war.

1848

The modern Swiss state is established, following reforms to the old system.