Swiss Passport

What led to the political reorganisation of the Confederation in 1798?

Was führte 1798 zur politischen Neuordnung der Eidgenossenschaft?

Correct answer: C

  1. A the introduction of compulsory schoolingdie Einführung der allgemeinen Schulpflicht
  2. B the revolution in Vauddie Revolution im Waadtland
  3. C the French invasion of Switzerlandder Einmarsch der Franzosen in die Schweiz
  4. D the founding of the canton of Zurichdie Gründung des Kantons Zürich

Why

French troops invaded in 1798 and defeated Bern. The Old Swiss Confederacy collapsed, and France set up the Helvetic Republic.

Common mistakes

B: the revolution in Vaud
There was a revolution against Bern in Vaud in 1798, but the invasion by the French was decisive for the reorganisation.
D: the founding of the canton of Zurich
Zurich had already been part of the Confederation since 1351.

Topic

1798: the French and Napoleon

After the French Revolution of 1789, France wanted to spread its ideas and its power. At the beginning of 1798, French troops marched into the Confederation. On 5 March 1798, Bern fell. The Old Swiss Confederacy collapsed. France mainly wanted to control the Alpine passes to Italy, and wanted money for its wars and Swiss soldiers.

Timeline of Swiss history
  1. 58 BCHelvetii and Romans
  2. 1291The Rütli and William Tell
  3. 1515Marignano
  4. 1523The Reformation
  5. 1798The French and Napoleon
  6. 1815Neutrality
  7. 1848Sonderbund War and the federal state
  8. 19th c.From agrarian state to industrial state
  9. 1918National general strike
  10. 1939–1945Second World War
  11. 1948Prosperity and AHV
  12. 1970Immigration and the Schwarzenbach initiative
  13. 1971Women's suffrage and equal rights
  14. 1979The youngest canton: Jura

History of Switzerland
Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality

Sources

Last checked: September 2026

Question 233 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.

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