Question 209 of 350 · Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality
In 1798, a European ruler briefly turned the Confederation into a centralised state. What was the ruler's name?
Im Jahr 1798 machte ein europäischer Herrscher für kurze Zeit einen Zentralstaat aus der Eidgenossenschaft. Wie hiess der Herrscher?
Correct answer: D
Why
Napoleon is the best-known French ruler of that time. In 1798, France turned Switzerland into the Helvetic Republic, a centralised state.
Common mistakes
- A: Rudolf of Habsburg
- Rudolf of Habsburg lived in the 13th century, at the time of the founding cantons.
- C: Charles the Bold
- Charles the Bold of Burgundy lost against the Confederates in the 15th century (Grandson, Murten).
Topic
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.
History of Switzerland · Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality
Sources
Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.