Historians question federal charter (Switzerland)
As they do every August 1, the Swiss commemorate on Saturday the pact signed by their forefathers in 1291.
But historian Georges Andrey draws swissinfo.ch's attention to a few inconsistencies in the roots of Switzerland's national day, which was created just over 100 years ago.
Legend has it that on August 1, 1291, amid continuing Habsburg repression, representatives from three forest cantons around Lake Lucerne – Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden – met on the Rütli meadow to sign a pact of eternal mutual defence. This is said to have laid the foundation of the Switzerland of today.
The Museum of Schwyz exhibits the only copy of the Federal Charter, owned by canton Schwyz, that survived the test of time.
However, for many years researchers have raised doubts about this version of events. Andrey, author of Swiss History for Dummies, explains the latest scientific consensus.
Read entire article at Swissinfo
But historian Georges Andrey draws swissinfo.ch's attention to a few inconsistencies in the roots of Switzerland's national day, which was created just over 100 years ago.
Legend has it that on August 1, 1291, amid continuing Habsburg repression, representatives from three forest cantons around Lake Lucerne – Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden – met on the Rütli meadow to sign a pact of eternal mutual defence. This is said to have laid the foundation of the Switzerland of today.
The Museum of Schwyz exhibits the only copy of the Federal Charter, owned by canton Schwyz, that survived the test of time.
However, for many years researchers have raised doubts about this version of events. Andrey, author of Swiss History for Dummies, explains the latest scientific consensus.