The autonomy of the Swiss cantons was curtailed by the Habsburg Empire in the 11th century. In 1291, the three cantons of Unterwalden, Schwyz and Uri set up the Perpetual League to pursue Swiss liberty. Joined by other cantons, they succeeded in 1499 in gaining virtual independence. The Habsburgs retained a titular role.
* 1648 Peace of Westphalia ending 30 Years' War, in which Switzerland played no active part, recognizes full Swiss independence.
* 1798 invaded by French.
* 1815 Congress of Vienna after Napoleon's defeat confirms Swiss independence and establishes its neutrality. Geneva and Valais join Swiss Confederation.
* 1848 New constitution û central government given more powers, but cantons' powers guaranteed.
* 1857 Joined by NeuchΓtel.
* 1864 Henri Dumant founds International Red Cross in Geneva.
* 1874 Referendum established as important decision-making tool.
* 1888 Swiss Socialist Party founded.
* 1894 FDP/PRD founded.
* 1912 Conservative Party founded, later to become CVP/PDC.
* 1914-1918 Plays humanitarian role in First World War.
* 1917 Farmers and burghers found SVP/UDC.
* 1919 Proportional representation. Ensures future political stability.
* 1920s New Swiss Communist Party gains little support.
* 1920 Joins League of Nations.
* 1939-1945 Neutral again. Refuses to join UN in 1945.
* 1959 Founder-member of EFTA. Present four-party coalition comes to power, taking over FDP/PRD dominance of government.
* 1967 Right-wing groups make electoral gains, campaigning to restrict entry of foreign workers.
* 1971 Women win right to vote and to stand in federal elections.
* 1984 Parliament approves application for UN membership. Dr Elisabeth Kopp is first woman minister (justice minister).
* 1986 Referendum rejects UN membership. New laws to restrict numbers of immigrants.
* 1987 Green Party wins its first two seats in parliament.
* 1988 Dr Kopp resigns over her alleged violation of secrecy of information laws.
* 1990 Dr Kopp acquitted. Case revealed that Public Prosecutor's office held secret files on 200,000 people. Violent demonstrations. State security laws amended.
* 1991 Large increase in attacks on asylum-seekers' hostels.
* 1992 Joins IMF and World Bank. Referendum votes against joining EEA (only French cantons and one German canton vote in favour).
