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Article: Swiss mark signing of landmark act with Napoleon. (News).(Swiss celebrate 200th anniversary of Act of Mediation)
- Article from:
- Swiss News
- Article date:
- April 1, 2003
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February 19 marked the 200th anniversary of a landmark treaty between the Swiss confederation and Napoleon, which ended five years of instability under French rule.
The Act of Mediation, signed on February 19,1803, returned to the Swiss a greater degree of cantonal rule while ensuring France still had overall power.
The turn of the 18th century was a tumultuous time for Switzerland.
French troops invaded Switzerland in 1798 and within weeks Napoleon promulgated a new constitution intended to replace the patchwork of communities and privileges that had prevailed since the Middle Ages.
But instead of resulting in a brave new Helvetic ...