Adel in der Schweiz

They are called von Reding, de Chambrier, von Waldkirch, or von Salis, and for around 500 years, they have significantly shaped the fate of our country. However, the role of the numerous Swiss noble families has been downplayed in history books. Our understanding of history needs correction: the Confederation was not just a republic of farmers and craftsmen. Rather, Switzerland was under the rule of an aristocratic elite from the Habsburgs until the downfall of the Old Confederation. Their descendants pursued careers in politics, diplomacy, the military, business, and science. In interviews, family histories, and anecdotes, the book vividly recounts the role of noble women, symbols of power, the French court as a model, and the monastery as an institution for "surplus" family members.