Abstract

Not “Degeneration”, but Revitalisation. Communal Conflicts in the 18th Century and the Making of Modern Switzerland

The Swiss cantons of popular assemblies of the so called “Landsgemeindeorte“ were the most democratic states in the early modern period. The popular opposition against increasing oligarchical hegemony mobilized majorities and so defended fundamental political rights. Discussing Jean Bodin's ideas of sovereignty, the political thinkers of the period adapted theory to their political culture of broad participation. Although the leaders of the protest-movements finally failed and were executed, their deeds were memorialized in many songs, poems and legends. The memory of these conflicts is therefore important for the modern democratic movements of the early 19th century.

In my article, I reveal details of political language and mobilization in the “Landsgemeindeorte“ of the 18th century as well as their transformation into the political culture of modern Switzerland.