The Eye of the Cyclone at the Fall of the XVIII^th Century:  The Ill-Fated Helvetic Republic (1798-1803)

By Dr. Gabriel Vital-Durand

The Helvetic Republic (1798-1803)

It should come as little surprise therefore that social and political unrest in France was deemed to have repercussions in Switzerland. The peasants, however conservative, were prompt to see the benefits of pulling down feudal rights and taxes. Press censorship was then the rule throughout Europe, with the result that undercover publications would make their way into radical segments of society. Uprisings had occurred in the Valais, in Schaffhausen and Canton Zurich in the 90,s. The French Assembly went up to issuing a warning in form of the following bill: “On behalf of the French Nation, the National Convention commits to helping and supporting all the peoples which may claim their freedom, and urges the government to take military steps to that effect.” French columns ended up occupying Basle and Bienne at the end of 1797, the Pays de Vaud by early 1798, thus prompting the creation of the short-lived Lemanese Republic (23-24 January). Most cantons were prompt to adapt to the new fashion and adopt “democratic” constitutions overnight.

The Canton of Bern was the leading power in the area, and hungry Republicans were eager to grab its treasury, commonly considered very sizeable. Generals Brune and Schauenbourg soon crushed the Bernese forces, which did not measure up to their long-standing reputation, and French troops entered in Berne on 5^th March 1798. The canton had collected a 30 million franc-treasury which was to finance the Campaign of Egypt. The antiquated Eidgenossenschaft (Confederation) had lived and prospered for 500 years, and the great powers had recognised its neutrality since the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), yet it was now over. A radical politician from Basle – Peter Ochs – issued a constitution to rule the newly formed Helvetic Republic (22 March 1798). The capital was to be itinerant between Aarau, Lucerne and Berne, a triple tripped banner was introduced (green, red and yellow), a centralised system was to mimic that of the French protector (common currency, civil rights, metric system…)

As a result of such upheaval, the economic situation was to deteriorate abruptly and the various components of such a segregated society soon to battle among themselves. French troops could not afford to leave the country, least even to allow for chaos. Between 1800 and 1802, not less than four coups were mounted against the new regime. As soon as General Bonaparte had arrived from Egypt, he mandated a deputation chamber with the task of proposing a new constitution. The so-called Consulta came up early 1803 with a proposal. The then First Consul stated: “Nature has provided you with a federal nature, so that wise men should not wish otherwise… Your people should not aim at anything else than neutrality, a prosperous trade, and a conservative rule of business… Preserve your tranquillity, even at times of oscillation, since you hold the arm of the balance in the middle. Keep quiet, retain your laws, your mores, your industries, as a result of which your share will keep sizeable.” (19 Frimaire, Year XI). Thus a bill to reverse to the old Confederation was adopted in form of an Act of Mediation granted by the First Consul on 19 February, 1803. Provisions were made to commit 12,000 soldiers to the French ally every year. But overall, the system would work out fine and the French Empire was to respect the neutrality of the country against all odds.

Placed on the Napoleon Series: January 2004

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