The First World War in Switzerland
Switzerland's neutrality did not spare the country from the effects of economic warfare during the First World War. The Federal Council struggled to manage the crisis.
The First World War was not the “great seminal catastrophe” for Switzerland as it was for Europe as a whole. In fact, it rather functioned as a catalyst: it strengthened existing tendencies and exacerbated existing conflicts. The First World War represented an acid test for the fundamental values that defined the identity of the young federal state, such as neutrality and liberalism.
Threat to sovereignty
Switzerland was ready from a military viewpoint. However, the country was ill-prepared for other challenges. Switzerland as a small and neutral country was dragged into the economic warfare raging between the hostile nations of Europe and this represented a threat to the country's politico-economic sovereignty. It was further impacted by the great demands placed on the populace. The Federal Council was equipped with extensive authorisations and tried to mitigate the situation. Its measures, however, were half-hearted. It was unable to bring the economic and social crisis under control.
Armed neutrality and active service in Switzerland
The outbreak of the “Great War” triggered a brief period of enthusiasm and patriotic elation in Switzerland. The Federal Council ceremoniously declared the country's neutrality. It soon became apparent, however, that modern war was total war and affected everybody – soldiers and civilians, men, women and children. The widespread hope of a fast end to the war disappeared into thin air with the onset of trench warfare.
Economic warfare and social hardship in Switzerland during the First World War
The First World War was characterised by total warfare. Economic capacity and performance played a decisive role. Following an initial war-related boom, Switzerland tumbled into a severe economic crisis. The country faced many difficult challenges with regard to securing its supply of raw materials and food.
Reinforcement of the State and political radicalisation
On 3 August 1914, the United Federal Assembly granted the Federal Council unrestricted authority to assert the country's independence and neutrality. This authorisation regimen gave the Federal Council the right to intervene directly in matters of the economy. It backed away from imposing too many restrictions on economic freedom in keeping with its liberal credo. The Federation nonetheless took on new tasks and duties during the course of the war. State interventionism increased.
Swiss Federal Archives
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