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- Herausgeber: tredition
- Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024
In "Switzerland's Untold War: The Truth Behind Nidwalden's Terror Days," Lukas Stofer delves into the tumultuous period of the Nidwalden crisis, challenging the conventional image of Switzerland as a tranquil, neutral country. This book uncovers the stark realities of internal strife, power struggles, and societal shifts during a pivotal moment in Swiss history. Stofer's vivid portrayal of the Nidwalden terror, set against the backdrop of Switzerland's struggle for sovereignty and identity, offers a provocative and eye-opening perspective on the nation's past. This compelling narrative invites readers to reassess their understanding of Swiss history, revealing the complex and often hidden dynamics that have shaped its course.
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Lukas Stofer
Switzerland's Untold War
The Truth Behind Nidwalden's Terror Days
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Foreword
Chapter 1: the French Invasion of Switzerland and Its Impact on Nidwalden
Chapter 2: the Occupation and Suppression of Nidwalden by the French Troops
Chapter 3: the Role of the Confederates in the Conflict with Nidwalden
Chapter 4: the Life of the People in Nidwalden during the Days of Terror
Chapter 5: Resistance and Liberation Movements in Nidwalden
Chapter 6: the End of the Days of Terror and the Return to Normal Order in Nidwalden
Chapter 7: the Political and Social Consequences of the Days of Terror for Nidwalden
Chapter 8: Personalities and Their Stories during the Horror Days of Nidwalden
Epilogue
Copyright
Switzerland's Untold War
Cover
Title Page
Foreword
Foreword
Epilogue
Epilogue
Copyright
Switzerland's Untold War
Cover
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Foreword
Dear readers
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to this book that is about the Horror Days of Nidwalden, which took place in the year 1798. Because I am a historian who has spent a significant amount of time and effort researching the history of Central Switzerland over the course of many years, it was essential for me to conduct in-depth research on this significant period of our history and to share it with you.
The reason we should deal with such a bleak chapter in our history is unclear. The response is straightforward: we are unable to move forward without first learning about our history. Our tendency to view history as a collection of heroic stories that make us feel good and feed our pride in Switzerland is something that we tend to do far too frequently. However, by engaging in this glorification, we are unable to take advantage of the numerous educational opportunities that history can offer.
There was a turning point in our history that occurred during the horror days of Nidwalden, which was when the Old Confederation's ability to maintain its cohesion completely failed. It was during this time that the Old Confederates abandoned their confederates due to their own self-centeredness and desire to advance their own interests. These events were the catalysts that led to the actual dissolution of the old Confederation and established the groundwork for the subsequent warlike conflicts that ultimately resulted in the Sonderbund War.
In my capacity as a historian, I consider it my responsibility to free historiography from the perspective of merely glorifying the past and to provide an honest account of the events. A lack of solidarity and shared values led to the horror days of Nidwalden, which were not a story of heroic deeds but rather a story of failure and the consequences that resulted from that failure. When we face the shadowy aspects of our history, we are able to acknowledge the errors we have made and establish the groundwork for a more positive future.
Over the course of the past few years, I have been forced to observe, on multiple occasions, how certain individuals have romanticized and transformed the "good old days era." It is not surprising that we have a desire for stability and security; however, we must not lose sight of the fact that the past was not without its flaws and errors. When we look at our history as a collection of heroic stories, we are denying ourselves the chance to grow from the experiences of the past and move on to better things.
A vivid illustration of how the cohesiveness of a society can be shattered due to the presence of self-interest and a lack of solidarity is provided by the horror days that occurred in Nidwalden. By reading this book, you will gain an understanding of the people who endured hardships during that period of time and their destinies. These are the accounts of innocent victims who were subjected to repression and occupation, of families who were deprived of their means of subsistence, and of individuals who fought for their beliefs even if it meant losing their lives.
It is time that we take a comprehensive look at the history of Switzerland, each and every one of its positive and negative aspects. It is only through this method that we will be able to acquire the genuine lessons and make certain that we do not repeat the same errors. With the help of this book, we will be able to examine our history from a fresh angle, which will allow us to gain a more profound comprehension of both our present and our future.
The idea that we as a society should reevaluate our priorities and place a greater emphasis on solidarity and shared interests is something that worries me. The terrifying events that took place in Nidwalden serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences that can develop if we allow ourselves to be led by our own self-interest and selfishness. Recognizing that true strength and progress are achieved through cooperation and respect for the rights and needs of all individuals is something that we must do.
I extend to you an invitation to accompany me on a trip into the past. Get yourself completely engrossed in the stories and outcomes of the people who endured the horrors that occurred during the days of Nidwalden. Let us take this dark episode in our history as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons and work toward ensuring that events of this nature are never repeated.
Now is the time to take a fresh look at our history and find lessons to be learned from it. We will only be able to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come if we proceed in this manner. I hope that you have a wonderful time reading this book, and I also hope that it will enable us to gain a deeper comprehension of the past and motivate us to take an active role in shaping our shared future.
With warmest regards,
Lukas Stofer
Historian and Author
Chapter 1: The French invasion of Switzerland and its impact on Nidwalden
1.1 The French Revolution and its ideas reach Switzerland
The French Revolution, which began in France at the end of the 18th century, had far-reaching effects not only on the country in which it originated, but also on other regions of Europe. Additionally, the concepts of the revolution, which included liberty, equality, and fraternity, were heard in Switzerland, which resulted in a variety of responses from the Swiss people.
Political and cultural diversity were two of the defining characteristics of Switzerland during that time period. Various cantons each had their own set of laws, forms of government, and interests that they pursued. Several Swiss people were very enthusiastic about the ideas that were presented during the French Revolution. They recognized in them the potential for Switzerland to go through a period of modernization and strengthen its unity.
Political factions such as the Liberals and the Republicans were among those who championed the principles that underpinned the Revolution. A unified Swiss identity, political reform, and a greater concentration of power were among the goals they sought to achieve. These organizations were of the opinion that the concepts that were introduced during the French Revolution could result in a society that was more progressive and just.
Despite this, there was opposition to the revolutionary ideas that were being proposed. Fearing that they would lose their power and privileges, conservative forces and representatives of the old order were concerned about the situation. They considered the ideas of the Revolution to be a danger to the traditional structures of Switzerland as well as the autonomy of the cantons.
There were many ways in which the ideas that emerged during the French Revolution had an effect on Switzerland. During this time, there were political debates, discussions, and also social unrest. An increase in social polarization occurred as a result of the fact that people in Switzerland held contrasting viewpoints.
These ideas of the French Revolution were met with a great deal of skepticism in Nidwalden, which is a canton that is known for its traditional and conservative values. There was a strong connection between the population and the local identity and the traditions of the region. The revolutionary ideas were seen by many people as a danger to their way of life and their independence.
It was no longer possible to deny the impact that the French Revolution had on Switzerland, despite the controversial reactions that were triggered by it. These revolutionary ideas had laid the groundwork for significant shifts in both the social and political landscape of Switzerland.
1.2: Napoleon Bonaparte's expansionist policy and Switzerland
The ambitious expansionist policy that Napoleon Bonaparte, a powerful French general and later emperor, pursued had an impact not only on Switzerland but also on other countries. Following his successful acquisition of political power in France, he endeavored to extend his sphere of influence across the entirety of Europe. In the course of his expansion plans, Switzerland emerged as a significant component.
The manner in which Napoleon intended to incorporate Switzerland into his empire was crystal clear to him to begin with. He believed that Switzerland was a strategically significant location that would not only protect him from potential dangers from the outside world but also advance his economic interests.
