Canton since 1803, Lieberherr, chocolate

Zurich has been part of the Confederation since 1351. Until 1798 Zurich was a city state: the city ruled over the countryside. In 1798 the French came, and the old order ended. In 1803 Napoleon gave Switzerland a new constitution (Act of Mediation). The canton of Zurich in the modern sense has existed since 1803. Now the people in the countryside could also help elect the cantonal parliament.

During the Second World War (1939 to 1945) there was less and less food in Switzerland. That is why potatoes and vegetables were planted everywhere, even on public squares in the cities. This was called the «Anbauschlacht» (cultivation battle). The Sechseläutenplatz in Zurich was also used as a potato field. Today it is a large square next to the opera house.

Emilie Lieberherr (1924 to 2011) was a famous campaigner for women's rights. She organised protests for women's suffrage throughout Switzerland. In 1969 she spoke at the «March on Bern». In 1971 the men said yes to women's suffrage. In 1970 she was elected as the first woman to the Zurich City Council, and later also to the Council of States.

Switzerland is known for chocolate. In the 19th century, pioneers founded the first large chocolate factories. Philippe Suchard founded a factory in Neuchâtel in 1826, Rudolph Lindt in Bern in 1879. Lindt invented a method that makes chocolate melt smoothly. The company Lindt & Sprüngli has its headquarters today in Kilchberg on Lake Zurich.

Memory aid: 1803: «eight-oh-three», Napoleon makes Zurich new.