Swiss Passport

Question 234 of 350 · Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality

What did the European powers establish for Switzerland at the Congress of Vienna in 1815?

Was haben die europäischen Mächte am Wiener Kongress 1815 für die Schweiz festgelegt?

Correct answer: A

  1. Athe observance of neutralitydie Befolgung der Neutralität
  2. Bthe abolition of customs duties at the Swiss bordersdie Aufhebung der Zölle an den Schweizer Grenzen
  3. Cthe renunciation of mercenary serviceden Verzicht auf das Söldnerwesen
  4. Dthe separation from Austriadie Loslösung von Österreich

Why

After Napoleon, the great powers wanted a neutral zone in the middle of Europe. At the Congress of Vienna they established neutrality, and on 20 November 1815 they confirmed Switzerland's «perpetual neutrality».

Common mistakes

C: the renunciation of mercenary service
Swiss mercenaries served in foreign armies for a long time after that; mercenary service was only banned in 1859.
D: the separation from Austria
Switzerland was not part of Austria; there was nothing it had to separate from in 1815.

Topic

Neutrality since 1815

Being neutral means: Switzerland does not get involved in armed conflicts, in other words wars, between other states. It does not help any warring party with soldiers. It does not let foreign troops pass through its territory. Switzerland protects its neutrality with its own army. That is why people speak of armed neutrality.

History of Switzerland · Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality

Sources

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