TIES THAT BIND A Case Study of Switzerland

MUNICH

You will learn… Factors that promote harmony and unity in SwitzerlandFactors that promote harmony and unity in Switzerland Benefits of living together in peaceBenefits of living together in peace Some lessons that we can learn from the SwissSome lessons that we can learn from the Swiss

Having seen the ravages of racial strife in Sri Lanka …... And the religious conflicts of Northern Ireland …….

Let us look at Switzerland Small country in Western Europe Its people came from Germany, France and Italy SWITZERLAND’S MOUNTAIN RANGECame via various routes through the Swiss Alps SWITZERLAND’S MOUNTAIN RANGE These routes/passes enable people from Italy to travel to France and Germany As a result, its neighbours have tried to conquer it from time to time

Language Differences nationalFour national languages : German, French, Italian and Romansh (a form of Latin) OfficialOfficial languages are German, French and Italian Why is Romansh left out? Too many Romansh dialects – difficult to choose one to represent the official Romansh language

Language Differences Switzerland divided into 4 regions along linguistic lines (pg 71) The language of a respective linguistic region will be the language used in schools, official public matters (communication within govt depts) –German-speaking Swiss move from Zurich (G) to Geneva (F) or to Lugano (I), he will have to change the language he uses for all official matters [Note : G – German-speaking; F – French-speaking; I – Italian-speaking]

Language Differences Switzerland divided into 4 regions acording to language Politically, it is divided into 26 cantons or states Each canton is subdivided into communes and towns About 3,000 communes in Switzerland

Commune A group of people living in a small area It is the “grassroot” level of government administration It is here that much of the daily decision- making in society is done The Swiss feel they have a direct stake in, and considerable responsibility for, the commune that they live in

G –Swiss vs F-Swiss In the past, relations between language groups were tenseIn the past, relations between language groups were tense Eg early 20 th C, G-Swiss and F-Swiss were hostile towards each otherEg early 20 th C, G-Swiss and F-Swiss were hostile towards each other WWI : Germany and France were at warWWI : Germany and France were at war F-Swiss supported France and G-Swiss supported GermanyF-Swiss supported France and G-Swiss supported Germany Tension deepenedTension deepened

G –Swiss vs F-Swiss WWII : Swiss Govt announced policy of neutrality – by all means and under all circumstancesWWII : Swiss Govt announced policy of neutrality – by all means and under all circumstances Means that Switzerland will not start a war itself or interfere in an existing warMeans that Switzerland will not start a war itself or interfere in an existing war Neutrality a core policy pursued by Swiss for many yearsNeutrality a core policy pursued by Swiss for many years

G –Swiss vs F-Swiss Because of this policy – G and F-Swiss realised they could not side with Germany or FranceBecause of this policy – G and F-Swiss realised they could not side with Germany or France They stood united to defend Switzerland even though France and Germany were at warThey stood united to defend Switzerland even though France and Germany were at war This is believed to be one main reason why Switzerland was not invaded by GermanyThis is believed to be one main reason why Switzerland was not invaded by Germany

Language Issues Today Historically, Switzerland opened to foreigners and refugees In the past, these were from European countries Today, influx from non-European countries Bring their own skills and talents but unable to speak any of the national languages English has been used to overcome this problem in recent years Widely spoken in Geneva and Zurich English a popular language today – influence of tourism, television, science and technology

Religious differences Most Swiss – Catholic or Protestant 16 th to 18 th C : Differences between them frequently disturbed the peace in Switzerland –Protestants cantons accepted only Protestants as citizens; same for Catholics –Fought each other in bloody civil wars during these 3 centuries –1797 : Napoleon Bonaparte, the French dictator, exploited one of these battles to conquer Switzerland –Last conflict occurred in 1847 –After this war, the Constitution was drawn up to guarantee religious rights of all Swiss among other issues

Religious differences This largely settled the religious conflict There had been much religious conflicts between the Protestants and the Catholics but not serious enough to break-up the country Compared with SL and NI, how is Switzerland different? Swiss had much conflicts but today, they still live in peace, unity and harmony Let’s examine some of the favourable factors accounting for this harmony and unity

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