Swiss Passport

Question 230 of 350 · Beginnings and the Old Swiss Confederacy

In 1515, the Confederates lost the Battle of Marignano. What were the consequences of this defeat?

Im Jahr 1515 verloren die Eidgenossen die Schlacht bei Marignano. Welche Folgen hatte diese Niederlage?

Correct answer: A

  1. AThe Confederates gave up conquering further territories.Die Eidgenossen verzichteten auf die Eroberung weiterer Gebiete.
  2. BSwitzerland abolished its army.Die Schweiz schaffte ihre Armee ab.
  3. CThe peasants rose up against the governments in Bern, Zurich and Lucerne.Die Bauern wehrten sich gegen die Regierungen in Bern, Zürich und Luzern.
  4. DThe Confederates attacked the city of Zurich.Die Eidgenossen überfielen die Stadt Zürich.

Why

After the heavy defeat against France, the Confederates gave up Milan and concluded the «Perpetual Peace» in 1516. After that, the Confederation gave up its policy of conquest.

Common mistakes

B: Switzerland abolished its army.
The Confederates kept their troops; Swiss mercenaries even continued to fight for France.
C: The peasants rose up against the governments in Bern, Zurich and Lucerne.
This describes the Peasants' War of 1653, not the consequences of Marignano.

Topic

Marignano 1515

In the 15th century, the Confederates were militarily very strong. They conquered new territories and fought as mercenaries for foreign rulers. At the beginning of the 16th century, they fought for control of Milan in northern Italy. In doing so, they came into conflict with the King of France.

History of Switzerland · Beginnings and the Old Swiss Confederacy

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.