What is the story as well as how did it devolop in to such the pacific , neutral banking center?
How did it stay neutral for so long?
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http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch
This site provides very comprehensive information.
Megapolitical reasons.
Firstly I would guess its natural geographical advantages… its up high… with many high passes for an enemy to negotiate… which are easier to fight down from. Going back in time (pre-gunpowder) Enemy would have to war upwards, and its such a superior advantage for the defenders.
I think this is partly the reason the small country/repuiblic of San Marino… inside Italy.. stayed independant… their enemies couldn’t conquer them fully cause they were so high up.
Also I would guess the Swiss showed they could be trusted… whilst also the fact their natural geographic surrounding made the country strong and easier to defend against an enemy made attractive place for the wealthy to store their money/gold ect for savings, commerce and trade.
Switzerland is still neutral. It is also a country without much in the way of natural resources, so they had to import raw materials, which is how they got into the manufacture of watches and precision medical instruments. High return for a minimum of raw materials. Geographically well placed to deal with European neighbours, – Germany, Austria, Italy, France.
Mainly by staying neutral in both World Wars. This enabled Switzerland to lend money to all of the participants, mainly in Europe, and so become rich. Wise move I think.