Modern history of Switzerland

This article deals with the history of Switzerland since 1848. See Early Modern Switzerland for the Early Modern period, Switzerland in the Napoleonic era for the period of 1798–1814, and Restoration and Regeneration (Switzerland) for the period of 1815–1848. Sonderbundskrieg and Switzerland as a federal state Following a 27-day civil war in Switzerland, the Sonderbundskrieg, the Swiss Federal Constitution was passed on 12 September 1848. The constitution was heavily influenced by the US Constitution and the ideas of the French Revolution. The constitution establishes the Swiss Confederation, governed by a comparatively strong federal government, instead the model of a confederation of independent cantons bound by treaties. From 1847 to 1914, the Swiss railway network was developed. The Schweizerische Nordbahn (SNB) society opened the first railway line on Swiss soil in 1847, connecting Zürich and Baden. The Gotthard Rail Tunnel was completed in 1881. The Swiss watchmaking industry has its origins in the 18th century, but boomed during the 19th century, turning the village of La Chaux-de-Fonds into an industrial center. Rapid urban growth also enlarged Zürich, which incorporated its industrial suburb Aussersihl into the municipality in 1891. Banking emerged as a significant factor in Swiss economy with the foundation of the Union Bank of Switzerland in 1862, and the Swiss Bank Corporation in 1872. The Golden age of alpinism in the 1850s to 1860s lay the foundation to the tourism industry. Switzerland during the World Wars During World War I and World War II, Switzerland maintained a stance of armed neutrality, and apart from minor skirmishes was not involved militarily. Because of its neutral status, Switzerland was of considerable interest to the warring parties, as a scene for diplomacy, espionage, commerce, and as a safe haven for refugees. During World War I, Switzerland was situated between the Central Powers to the north and east, and the Entente Powers to the south and west.