Huldrych Zwingli: Creation Of The Centralized Helvetic Republic

Switzerland has evolved over many centuries from a loose alliance of small-self-governing towns and states, beginning with the confederation of Uri, Schwyz, and Nidwalden in 1291, to a fully-fledged federal state of 26 cantons. Throughout the years, they have experienced political, social, and religious turmoil until unity triumphed in the Old Swiss Confederacy. However, in 1798, French troops invaded Switzerland and created the centralized Helvetic Republic. In 1848, the foundations for modern Switzerland were finally laid down with the creation of a federal constitution. The Constitution of 1848 brought national unity and the pursuit of the common good, while upholding their cultural and linguistic diversity. (Federal Department of Foreign

Huldrych Zwingli was an influential theologian and a dynamic political leader whose new Protestant religious doctrines, similar to those of Martin Luther, fueled the Swiss Reformation. (Britannica – History - 4/12/15) Against what he viewed as the decadent Roman Catholic hierarchy, Zwingli favored the return to the teachings of the Bible. While Luther strictly separated the spiritual and political realms, Zwingli emphasized that both the church and the state were subject to the law of Christ. (Britannica – History - 4/12/15) In 1525, Zurich’s great council adopted his innovations, and other Swiss towns soon followed. While in Western Switzerland, John Calvin transformed Geneva into what was called the “Protestant Rome.” Calvin persuaded the government of his principles. He advocated hard work and stated that wealth was a reward from God. This philosophy favored the development of modern capitalism. Calvin advocated a good education in science and art, and he also promoted handcrafts and trade. This led to Geneva becoming a thriving city. (Discover Switzerland! - 4/12/15) The 17th Century saw three further landmarks in the development of modern-day Switzerland. All came as a result of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). While large parts of Europe were involved in this war, the Confederation remained neutral. An important consequence of the

This was the first time in history that Switzerland was forced to abandon its neutrality and to provide troops for France. The Helvetic Republic followed the model proposed by the 18th Century philosophers of the Enlightenment. The new republic was based on the separation of powers: legislative, executive, judicial. (Discover Switzerland! - 4/12/15) After the Sonderbund War, the foundations for modern Switzerland were finally laid down with the adoption of the Constitution of 1848. It brought about a more centralized form of government and a single economic area; thus, putting an end to the cantonal rivalries and enabling economic development. The most important innovation was the creation of a bicameral system, or the Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. The new Federal Assembly met for the first time on November 6, 1848, with liberals in the overwhelming majority. Parliament first elected the government (seven liberal men) with Jonas Furrer being appointed the first President, and designated Bern as the Federal Capital. The revised Federal Constitution was adopted in 1874. It gave the Swiss population direct democratic instruments which make it possible to change or revoke virtually every decision made by the Federal Council and Parliament. (Discover Switzerland! 4/12/15) During this time, various important figures stood out in educational and intellectual development. For