Switzerland, a history

I have recently discovered that although I have lived in several different places and know, to some extent, about the culture and people of the countries, I have yet to know much about the history of the different countries, let alone cities. So, here it is: my little history lesson to myself and all of you.

Switzerland-

Many know the story of Wilhelm Tell, a national legend that probably embodied many approached to situations in the past. It is said that three Kantone, Uri, Schwyz, and Niederwalde, came together in order to oppose the Austrian oppression. It wasn't long before the Austrians moved into the central square of a town in Uri that the "Swiss" people rebelled. An Austrian bailiff, Gessler, set up a pole in the square with his hat atop it, demanding everyone that passed to bow. Wilhelm Tell, for whatever reason it may be, did not bow and Gessler had him arrested. In order to win back his freedom, Gessler gave Tell a challenge. Known for his marksmanship, however, unknown to Gessler, Tell was to shoot an apple off of his son's head with an arrow. Tell, probably thinking "seriously? that's it?" accepted the challenge.

The idea was that if Tell hit his target they would be released, however, if he missed, they would both be killed. Tell took two arrows, one to shoot and the other in the quiver. When Tell hit the apple clean off his son's head Gessler asked him what the second arrow was for. Tell told him, if the first was to kill his son he would take the second and kill Gessler. For this comment Tell was arrested and sent to lifelong imprisonment in the dungeon of Gessler's castle. When crossing a lake a storm loomed over them and Tell, the only person familiar with the lake, suggested trading his freedom for their safe return to land. Gessler accepted the offer and Tell was freed, however, the second arrow was still itching in the back of his mind. So, Tell crept to the castle path and waited for Gessler to arrive. When finally the oppressor showed up Tell leaped out, shot Gessler in the heart, and disappeared in the woods to return to Uri. His bravery is what forever freed Switzerland of the oppression of the Austrians. Oh and also, don't anger Swiss people, they'll hunt you down.

(tell.ch)

But that is a legend. So what really happened in Switzerland?

With plenty of prehistory, it's the year 1273 when it gets interesting. In fact, the Habsburg ruler Rudolph I did send bailiffs to collect more taxes and tighten administration and the Swiss did quickly grow strong feelings against the Habsburgian oppression. In 1291 Rudolph I died and the three Kantone Uri, Schwyz, and Niederwalde came together to sign an alliance vowing never again to fall under the rule of an external judge or ruler. The independence of Switzerland was won on August 1st. This founding act, given the latin name of Confoederatio Helvetica is still found today as the abbreviation for Switzerland CH, websites of Switzerland .ch, and licence plates, as well as many other places.

In 1315 the Austrian Duke Leopold wanted to crush the Swiss oppression, however, the Swiss delivered and EPIC defeat. Over the next 200 years they Switzerland survived with amazing military defeats, land grabs, and additions of more Kantone to their federation: Lucerne 1332, Zurich 1351, Glarus and Zug 1352, Bern 1353, Fribourg and Solothurn 1481, Basel and Schaffhausen 1501, and Appenzell 1513. Finally in 1499 the Swiss Confederation gained complete independence from the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I after another victory.

(lonelyplanet.com/switzerland/history)

I hope this little introduction to Switzerland was interesting. I think, as long as I have nothing else to write about, I'll write about random things like this in more posts. It may come to be useful, for example, if someone you meet is called Wilhelm or Tell. Or Switzerland.

Pictures from weheartit.com