ABSTRACT
The Middle Ages Switzerland had been a federation of cantons with no strong central power. The French occupation in April 1798 led to the creation of the Helvetic Republic with a directory of five and a bicameral legislature elected by universal manhood suffrage. A military alliance with France led to an Austro-Russian invasion in 1799 and fighting which ravaged the country. In 1806, Neuchatel is first occupied by French troops and then given as a principality to Marshal Berthier. In 1810 July, the Valais is incorporated into France as the department of the Simplon. In 1811 January, Ticino is occupied by Franco-Italian troops ostensibly to prevent smuggling. In November 15, 1813, following the battle of Leipzig, Landamann Hans von Reinhard calls the Diet. In 1814-1815, the Congress of Vienna guarantees Swiss neutrality and provides for a loose union of 22 cantons along the lines of that in existence before the French Revolution.
