Summary
Highlights
The Mediation Act, decreed by Napoleon Bonaparte, is the most significant source of political history for Switzerland during the Mediation Period (1803-1814). This era began when Napoleon withdrew French troops in 1802, leading to internal conflicts and the threat of civil war in Switzerland. In response to a plea from the Helvetic government, Napoleon convened 70 delegates in Paris, emphasizing Switzerland's non-active role in Europe and advocating for a confederation of states.
Napoleon presented the Swiss delegation with the Mediation Act, establishing a new constitution for Switzerland. He detached Valais to secure a direct route to Italy and funded a fortified road over the Simplon Pass. Napoleon also redrew cantonal borders, many of which are still valid today. Bern was reunited with Oberland but did not regain Vaud or Aargau. Aargau and other cantons like Zug, Schwyz, Glarus, Uri, and Obwalden were re-established with their current boundaries. St. Gallen and the two Appenzells were also formed. Lugano and Bellinzona were combined to form Ticino. The unitary state of the Helvetic Republic disappeared, replaced by a confederation similar to the Old Confederacy.
Each of the 17 full and 4 half cantons received its own constitution under the Mediation Act. The Tagsatzung (Diet) replaced the former government, rotating among urban cantons. Populous cantons sent two delegates, while others sent one. Decisions in the Tagsatzung required only a majority, but often, dissenting cantons did not adhere to the resolutions. Individual liberties of the Helvetic Republic were largely abolished, and suffrage was limited to wealthy patrician families (census suffrage). Cities retained some preference over rural areas, though less than before. This period represented a partial restoration of pre-revolutionary conditions.
Despite reducing Switzerland's size, the Mediation Act brought internal peace and political stability. Napoleon balanced the desires of conservatives who favored a confederation and liberals who sought a unitary state. However, during the Mediation Period, Switzerland was not truly neutral but acted as a French satellite state. This was evident as Switzerland was compelled to provide troops for Napoleon's army and comply with his Continental Blockade. Thousands of Swiss soldiers died during Napoleon's Russian campaign. With Napoleon's downfall, the Mediation Act became obsolete, and the conservative monarchies of Europe took control of Switzerland's fate.