The Swiss Confederation traces its origin to a pact sworn by the rural communities of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden in the Alps, recorded in the Federal Charter of 1291, which is dated to the beginning of August. The three communities promised mutual aid against outside threats, at a time when the Habsburg family was extending its power over the region. Later legends of the Rutli oath and of William Tell grew around the pact. Other cantons joined over the next centuries, and the Swiss won renowned victories such as Morgarten in 1315. Full independence from the Holy Roman Empire was recognised in 1648 by the Peace of Westphalia, and the modern federal state was created in 1848. The first of August is celebrated as Switzerland's national day.
Before and after
- from March 1289 to April 1289Fall of Tripoli
- from 1290 to 1320Khalji dynasty
- 1291Construction of Strängnäs Cathedral
- from 4 April 1291 to 18 May 1291Siege of Acre
- 1 August 1291Founding of Switzerland
- from 1293 to 1527Majapahit
- 18 February 1294Death of Kublai Khan
- from 19 May 1294 to 20 May 1303Gascon War
- from 1296 to 1357Wars of Scottish Independence
More in Society, economy & sport
- from 541 CE to 750 CEPlague of Justinian
- 1310Rise of ars nova
- 7 January 1451Founding of University of Glasgow
- 1472Founding of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- 1477Founding of Uppsala University
- 1 June 1479Founding of University of Copenhagen
The era
This moment belongs to the Medieval world (500 CE to 1500 CE), kingdoms, faiths and trade routes. You can also browse everything in the 13th century.