What were the earliest forms of historical accounts concerning the Old Swiss Confederacy?

The earliest historical accounts of the Old Swiss Confederacy included battle songs, folk songs celebrating Confederate achievements, and numerous Swiss chronicles written primarily during the 14th to 16th centuries. Illustrated chronicles, commissioned by the authorities of Bern and Lucerne, were particularly notable from the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

How did the advent of modern historiography affect earlier Swiss chronicles?

As modern historiography emerged in the late 18th century, the earlier medieval and early modern Swiss chronicles were subjected to critical analysis and re-evaluation.

What emphasis did Swiss historiographical scholarship adopt in the postmodern era?

In the postmodern era, Swiss historiographical scholarship, mirroring international trends, increasingly focused on topical history. This included areas such as economic history, legal history, social history, and specific historical events like Switzerland's conduct during World War II.

Who is credited with publishing the first comprehensive historiography of Switzerland, and when?

Gottlieb Emanuel Haller published the first comprehensive historiography of Switzerland. His six-volume work, titled "Bibliothek der Schweizergeschichte," was published between 1785 and 1788, preceding the collapse of the Old Swiss Confederacy.

Besides Gottlieb Emanuel Haller, what other significant comprehensive treatments of Swiss history are mentioned?

Other significant comprehensive treatments of Swiss history include Johannes von Müller's "Geschichten Schweizerischer Eidgenossenschaft" (1786–1806), Johannes Dierauer's "Geschichte der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft" (1887–1917, with extensions), the "Handbuch der Schweizer Geschichte" (1972–77), and the "Historical Dictionary of Switzerland" (2002–2014).

What characterized the earliest Swiss historical writings beyond chronicles?

Beyond chronicles, the earliest Swiss historical writings consisted of battle songs and folk songs that celebrated the deeds of the early Confederates.

What was the significance of the illustrated chronicles produced in the late 15th and early 16th centuries?

Illustrated chronicles, produced on behalf of the authorities of Bern and Lucerne, were significant historical works from the late 15th and early 16th centuries, contributing to the early development of Swiss historical writing.

How did individual cantonal perspectives in chronicles relate to pan-Swiss issues?

Although chronicles were often written from the viewpoint of individual cantons (states), even the earliest ones addressed issues of all-Swiss significance in considerable detail.

What impact did the introduction of movable type have on Swiss chroniclers?

The introduction of movable type in Europe allowed Swiss chroniclers to reach a wider audience and begin writing about Swiss history as a unified whole, rather than solely focusing on local or cantonal events.

Which printed chronicle was highly influential for later writers on Swiss history?

Petermann Etterlin's "Chronicle of the Swiss Confederation," published in 1507, was highly influential. As a printed work, it was the first to be widely available, significantly impacting subsequent historical writing.

How did humanist scholars connect Swiss history to earlier periods?

Humanist scholars, such as Johannes Stumpf and Aegidius Tschudi, linked contemporary Swiss history with the Roman era of Switzerland and the accounts of the ancient Helvetii, thereby adding historical depth to the emerging discipline.

What was the lasting impact of Josias Simler's "De Helvetiorum republica libri duo"?

Josias Simler's 1576 work, "De Helvetiorum republica libri duo," provided a sober account of the Confederacy's constitutional status and historical background. It remained the definitive work on Swiss political history for centuries, influencing how the rest of the world understood Swiss history, and was translated into German and French.

How did the political and social climate of the 17th century influence Swiss historical writing?

As Swiss city-states became more stratified and oligarchical, and as confessional and political divisions deepened, the 17th century saw a shift in historical writing. The focus moved from the affairs of the Confederacy as a whole to the history of individual states.

What was the role of Matthäus Merian's engravings in the 17th century?

Matthäus Merian's extensive engravings helped satisfy the Baroque era's appetite for "curiosa" (curiosities), contributing visually to the historical record of the time.

What marked the emergence of critical inquiry in Swiss scholarship during the Enlightenment?

The spirit of critical inquiry began to take hold in Swiss scholarship during the Age of Enlightenment, exemplified by works like Johann Jakob Wagner's 1780 "Historia naturalis Helvetiae curiosa."

What were the limitations faced by historical research during the Swiss Enlightenment?

Historical research faced limitations during the Swiss Enlightenment, including the general inaccessibility of state archives to private researchers and a prevailing cultural tendency (zeitgeist) that favored a heroic interpretation of history, even in a less heroic contemporary period.

What significant publications emerged in Swiss historiography in the early 18th century?

The early 18th century saw the publication of the first critical editions of ancient sources, notably by Johann Jakob Bodmer in 1735, and the launch of the first Swiss historical journals, "Helvetische Bibliothek" and "Mercure Helvétique," also in 1735.

Who edited the first historical dictionary of Switzerland, and what was its scope?

Johann Jakob Leu edited the "Allgemeines helvetisches eidgenössisches Lexikon," a 20-volume historical dictionary published between 1743 and 1763. It was notable for being written by scholars from all Swiss cantons.

What historical works from the mid-18th century provided patriotic and critical perspectives?

Mid-18th century works included François-Joseph-Nicolas d'Alt de Tieffenthal's patriotic "Histoire des Helvétiens" (1749–53), Alexander Ludwig von Wattenwyl's "Histoire de la Confédération helvétique" (1754), which served as a prelude to Swiss criticism, and Vinzenz Bernhard Tscharner's "Historie der Eidgenossen" (1756–71).

What kind of treatises complemented the historical works of the mid-18th century?

These historical works were supplemented by treatises focusing on specific aspects of Swiss history, such as the early history, the Reformation, or Swiss military service abroad, as well as by increasing numbers of travel reports from foreign visitors to Switzerland.

How did mid-18th-century historical works generally approach the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy?

These historical works generally adhered closely to the established narrative of the foundation of the Old Swiss Confederacy as it had been described in the Swiss chronicles of the 15th and 16th centuries.

What historical debate involving William Tell caused a political scandal in the Enlightenment era?

The questioning of William Tell's historicity by Bernese historians Gottlieb Emanuel Haller and Uriel Freudenberger in their 1760 book "Der Wilhelm Tell. Ein dänisches Mährchen" triggered a political scandal and caused tensions between Bern and the canton of Uri. Their book, which suggested the Tell saga was adapted from a Danish legend, was subsequently banned and publicly burned.

Which 19th-century work was highly influential in shaping Swiss national identity?

Johannes von Müller's epic and lively five-volume "Geschichten Schweizerischer Eidgenossenschaft" (1786–1806) was the most influential work of historiography in the 19th century. It played a crucial role in helping Switzerland, which had undergone significant upheaval during the Napoleonic era, to rediscover and solidify its national identity.

How did Müller's work contribute to the refounding of the Swiss Confederation?

Müller's work provided a narrative that helped the Swiss people find a sense of national identity after the disruption caused by Napoleon's overthrow of the Ancien Régime and the establishment of the Helvetic Republic. This sense of identity was vital in refounding the Confederation after Napoleon's fall.

Who continued Johannes von Müller's historical work, and what was its purpose?

Müller's work, which concluded with the Swabian War of 1499, was continued by a generation of historians, including Robert Glutz von Blotzheim and Johann Jakob Hottinger in German-speaking Switzerland, and Louis Vuillemin and Charles Monnard in Romandy. Their efforts provided the newly founded federal state of 1848 with a coherent national history.

What trend emerged during the period of historicism regarding national history?

During the period of historicism, learning from national history became a widespread interest, leading to the publication of numerous popular history works aimed at educating the public.

Who were some notable authors of popular history works in the historicist period?

Notable authors of popular history works during the historicist period included the educator Heinrich Zschokke and the liberal historian André Daguet.

How did democratic reforms impact the publication of historical texts?

The democratic reforms of the 18th century led to an expansion of public education, resulting in the publication of a vast number of historical textbooks designed for broader accessibility.

What institutional developments supported historical research in Switzerland?

Historical research was bolstered by the opening of cantonal archives and the new Federal Archives to researchers. Additionally, chairs dedicated to Swiss history were established in Swiss universities, and the first historical society was founded in 1841.

How did Romanticism influence the perception of national heroes like William Tell?

As the rationalist Enlightenment gave way to the more emotional period of Romanticism, questioning popular national heroes became less accepted. This sentiment led to the re-establishment of the traditional account of William Tell, further popularized by Friedrich Schiller's 1804 play.

Which work eventually supplanted Johannes Dierauer's "Geschichte der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft" as a leading historiographical text?

Johannes Dierauer's seminal work was eventually supplanted by the "Handbuch der Schweizer Geschichte," a collaborative project published between 1972 and 1977. However, the "Handbuch" is noted for remaining largely rooted in the conservative perspectives prevalent in the early 1960s.

What was the significance of Dierauer's "Geschichte der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft"?

Johannes Dierauer's "Geschichte der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft," published between 1887 and 1917 (with extensions until 1974), was a seminal work that laid important foundations for later research, largely due to its thorough critical apparatus.

What important foundation for later research was laid in the late 19th century?

In the late 19th century, significant groundwork for future research was established through the systematic edition and publication of official documents. This included extensive series of documents from the Old Confederacy and the Helvetic Republic, with publication continuing until 1966.

How is the tradition of publishing official documents being continued?

The tradition of publishing official documents is ongoing, with several Swiss universities commencing the publication of Swiss diplomatic archives starting in 1979.

What historical periods were of particular interest to late 19th-century historians?

Late 19th-century historians, viewing the 17th and 18th centuries as periods of stagnation, primarily focused their academic interest on the early history of Switzerland, aided by new archaeological methods. They also concentrated on the medieval period and the Reformation, aligning with broader European historical trends.

Which groups or regions received less attention from historians in the late 19th century?

The conservative Roman Catholic cantons, having been defeated in the 1847 Sonderbund war, received limited attention from scholars who were predominantly part of the liberal Protestant mainstream of that era.

What types of topical histories were published in the early 20th century?

The early 20th century saw the publication of significant topical histories in specialized fields, including Eugen Huber's legal history ("Geschichte und System des schweizerischen Privatrechts," 1893), Andreas Heusler's constitutional history ("Schweizer Verfassungsgeschichte," 1920), and Paul Schweizer's diplomatic history ("Geschichte der schweizerischen Neutralität," 1895).

What was the dominant intellectual mainstream in Swiss historiography until the early 20th century?

Until the early 20th century, the dominant intellectual mainstream was liberal and Radical, viewing Swiss history as a continuous progression towards liberty, culminating in the establishment of the 1848 federal state.

What historical developments were interrupted by the World Wars?

Developments in Swiss historiography, particularly the growing academic attention to economic and social history initiated by scholars like William Rappard and Eduard Fueter in the 1910s, were cut short by the outbreak of the World Wars.

What was the impact of attempts to write a Socialist history of Switzerland?

Attempts by non-historians, such as Robert Grimm, to write a Socialist history of Switzerland had no significant impact on the field.

How did apologists of the Ancien Régime influence post-WWII historiography?

Apologists of the Ancien Régime, like Gonzague de Reynold, who admired the perceived enlightened authoritarianism of the Old Confederacy, left a notable imprint on the generally conservative historiography that emerged in the generation following World War II.

What attempt was made in 1933 to address national founding legends?

In 1933, historian Karl Meyer published a work that attempted to rehabilitate the historicity of Switzerland's national founding legends.

How did the Cold War's emphasis on "intellectual defense" affect Swiss historiography?

The Cold War period's focus on "geistige Landesverteidigung" (intellectual defense of the country) did not encourage a re-examination or re-thinking of Swiss history.

What societal changes in the 1960s influenced Swiss historical approaches?

The societal upheavals associated with the year 1968, which shifted academic thought towards the political Left in Switzerland as in other Western countries, prompted a change in the approach of Swiss historians.

What new historical approaches were adopted by historians in the 1960s and 1970s?

Inspired by research methods from the United States, United Kingdom, and France, historians in the 1960s and 1970s began publishing major works on social and economic history. They also incorporated disciplines like historical demographics and ecology, and embraced the concept of "total history" from the Annales School, aiming for a comprehensive view of history focused on long-term structures.

What is considered the standard university textbook for Swiss history currently?

The condensed one-volume edition of the "Geschichte der Schweiz und der Schweizer," last reprinted in 2006, currently serves as the standard university textbook for Swiss history.

What is the most significant ongoing project in Swiss historiography?

The "Historical Dictionary of Switzerland" is the principal ongoing project in Swiss historiography. It is also available online, alongside other topical historical dictionaries.

What other topical historical dictionaries are mentioned as being accessible online?

Besides the "Historical Dictionary of Switzerland," other accessible online topical historical dictionaries include SIKART (a biographical dictionary of Swiss artists) and the "Culinary Heritage of Switzerland" project (a historical encyclopedia of Swiss food).

What was the focus of Swiss historiography up until the early 20th century?

Up until the early 20th century, Swiss historiography predominantly concentrated on the political and military history of Switzerland.

What was the "Fischer thesis" in relation to World War I historiography?

The Fischer thesis, associated with historian Fritz Fischer, is mentioned in the context of the historiography of the causes of World War I, suggesting a German responsibility.

Historiography Of Switzerland Wiki: Alpine Archives: Unveiling Switzerland's Historical Narratives

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Overview

Defining the Field

The historiography of Switzerland is the critical study dedicated to understanding the history of Switzerland itself. It examines how Swiss history has been written, interpreted, and debated over time, tracing the evolution of historical scholarship concerning the nation's past.

Scholarly Evolution

From the foundational Swiss chronicles of the late medieval and early modern periods to the sophisticated, multi-disciplinary approaches of contemporary scholarship, the study of Swiss history reflects broader trends in European historiography. This includes shifts towards topical history, critical analysis, and the integration of diverse methodologies.

Key Contributions

Significant comprehensive treatments have been provided by scholars such as Gottlieb Emanuel Haller, Johannes von Müller, and Johannes Dierauer. The ongoing project of the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland represents a major contemporary effort in synthesizing and disseminating historical knowledge.

Early Narratives: Swiss Chronicles

Medieval Roots

The earliest historical accounts of Switzerland emerge from the battle songs and folk traditions celebrating the deeds of the Old Swiss Confederacy. These were later formalized in the numerous Swiss chronicles, particularly the illustrated chronicles produced in the 15th and 16th centuries, often commissioned by the authorities of Bern and Lucerne.^[2] While often reflecting the perspective of individual cantons, these early works also addressed matters of pan-Swiss significance.^[2]

The Dawn of Print

The advent of movable type facilitated wider dissemination of historical narratives. Petermann Etterlin's 1507 Chronicle of the Swiss Confederation was particularly influential as the first widely available printed work, shaping later historical writing.^[2]

The Swiss loot the camp of Charles the Bold after the Battle of Grandson (Berner Schilling, 1480s).

Renaissance & Enlightenment

Humanist Scholarship

Renaissance humanist scholars, such as Johannes Stumpf and Aegidius Tschudi, extended the historical narrative by connecting contemporary events with the Roman era and accounts of the Helvetii, thereby deepening the historical perspective.^[3] Josias Simler's 1576 De Helvetiorum republica libri duo provided a sober, influential account of the Confederacy's political status and history, remaining a standard reference for centuries.^[3]

Critical Inquiry

The Enlightenment fostered a spirit of critical inquiry. Johann Jakob Wagner's 1680 Historia naturalis Helvetiae curiosa exemplified this shift. Despite challenges like restricted access to state archives, the period saw the publication of early critical editions of sources and the establishment of historical journals.^[4] Johann Jakob Leu's 20-volume Allgemeines helvetisches eidgenössisches Lexikon (1743–1763) was a landmark achievement, representing the nation's first historical dictionary.^[4]

Title page of Merian's Topographia Helvetiae, Rhaetiae et Valesiae (1642, reprinted 1654).

Modern Historiography

Nation Building

Johannes von Müller's Geschichten Schweizerischer Eidgenossenschaft (1786–1806) profoundly influenced the post-Napoleonic era, aiding in the refounding of the Confederation and the development of a cohesive national identity. This work was extended by subsequent generations of historians, providing the newly established federal state of 1848 with a coherent national history.^[5]

Popularization and Academia

The era of historicism saw a surge in popular history works by figures like Heinrich Zschokke, alongside the professionalization of history with the establishment of university chairs and historical societies. The questioning of national myths, such as the William Tell saga, initially caused controversy but ultimately contributed to more critical historical analysis.^[5]

Shifting Focus

Johannes Dierauer's comprehensive Geschichte der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft (1887–1917) became a seminal work. While early academic interest focused on the medieval period and Reformation, the later 19th and early 20th centuries saw the publication of significant topical histories in legal, constitutional, and diplomatic fields.^[7]

Post-War Reorientation

Following World War II, Swiss historiography began a significant reorientation. Influenced by international trends, particularly the Annales School and Anglo-American scholarship, historians increasingly focused on social and economic history, employing quantitative methods and disciplines like historical demographics and ecology. The concept of "total history," aiming for a comprehensive view of long-term structures, became established.^[1]

Contemporary Scholarship

Foundational Projects

The Handbuch der Schweizer Geschichte (1972–1977) represented a significant collaborative effort, though largely rooted in earlier historiographical traditions. More recently, the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland (2002–2014) has become a principal ongoing project, providing accessible, scholarly information online.^[10]

The first three volumes of the Historical Dictionary in each language.

Methodological Diversity

Contemporary Swiss historiography embraces diverse methodologies, including comparative historical research, microhistory, and interdisciplinary approaches. The focus has broadened beyond political and military history to encompass cultural, social, economic, and legal dimensions, reflecting a commitment to a more holistic understanding of the Swiss past.^[1]

References

Source Citations

The following references underpin the information presented on this page:

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Historiography Of Switzerland" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about historiography_of_switzerland while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

1959 singaporean general election

asylum seeker

president of the united states

united nations mission of observers in prevlaka

umberto ii of italy

nymph

comdex

ambassadors of the united states

social environment

hutchinson sa

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Historiography of Switzerland Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model, drawing upon scholarly data for educational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for academic enrichment and not as a substitute for primary source consultation or expert analysis.

This is not a substitute for professional historical research or consultation. Users seeking definitive historical interpretation or engaging in academic research should consult original sources and peer-reviewed scholarship. The information provided is based on a specific dataset and may not encompass the full breadth or nuance of the field.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated content.

Alpine Archives

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏛️ Defining the Field

🌍 Scholarly Evolution

📚 Key Contributions

Early Narratives: Swiss Chronicles 🖋️

📜 Medieval Roots

📖 The Dawn of Print

Renaissance & Enlightenment 💡

🏛️ Humanist Scholarship

🔬 Critical Inquiry

Modern Historiography 📈

🇨🇭 Nation Building

🗣️ Popularization and Academia

🧐 Shifting Focus

🔄 Post-War Reorientation

Contemporary Scholarship 🌐

📖 Foundational Projects

💡 Methodological Diversity

References 📚

🔗 Source Citations

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining the Field

Scholarly Evolution

Key Contributions

Early Narratives: Swiss Chronicles

Medieval Roots

The Dawn of Print

Renaissance & Enlightenment

Humanist Scholarship

Critical Inquiry

Modern Historiography

Nation Building

Popularization and Academia

Shifting Focus

Post-War Reorientation

Contemporary Scholarship

Foundational Projects

Methodological Diversity

References

Source Citations

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice