The basis of current Swiss Confederation

The basis of current Swiss Confederation was founded at the end of the XIII century., August 1, 1291, when three of the "forest" of the canton of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden entered into a contract "in perpetuity" for mutual support. This historical document is stored in the archives of the town of Schwyz. A forest glade on the shore Ryutli Firvaldshtetskogo lake, where a treaty was signed, is considered a symbol of freedom in Switzerland. At the Battle of Morgartene in 1315 of the Confederates defeated the Austrian army of knights of the Duke Leopold of Habsburg, and defended its independence against the claims of the Habsburg dynasty in the Office of Switzerland. In the sequel to the Confederation joined the new cantons of Lucerne in 1332, in 1351, Mr. Zurich, in 1352, Mr. Glarus and Zug in 1353 Mr. Byrne. New state education consisted of a virtually independent of urban and rural communities that harmonize their economic and political interests in terms of autonomy. Burgundian War (1474 - 1477 gg.) Military operations of the duchy of Burgundy, on the one hand and France and Switzerland on the other, finally confirmed the independence of Switzerland. A decisive role in defeating the Burgundy played exactly the Swiss, at the hands of which he died in 1477 of the Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold at the Battle of Nancy. In the hands of the Confederates took over the so-called Burgundian heritage, the legendary treasure of Charlemagne, some of which are now showing the Swiss museums. After the Burgundian Wars Swiss mercenaries were highly valued in Europe. In the battle of Marignan in 1515 on the side of the Duke of Milan, attended by nearly 30 thousand Swiss mercenaries. More than half of them died in battle with an army of French King Francis I-with this defeat made counting history of Swiss neutrality. In 1815 the Congress of Vienna declared permanent neutrality of Switzerland. According to the constitution of Switzerland (1999), each canton has its own constitution and laws. The jurisdiction of the federal authorities are questions of foreign relations, defense, public infrastructure development, the formation of the federal budget. Switzerland, a neutral country and the residence of many international organizations, one of the major financial centers worldwide. Even the small towns in this country often become centers of major events in world culture, politics and economics.