Switzerland never possessed any colonies, yet was still a colonial power. Through networks of mercenaries, trading houses, missionary societies, and science Switzerland took part in the process of European Expansion and was shaped by it. How did 'Swiss expansion' shape the founding of the 1848 federal state?
Objective
Students will become familiarised with new approaches to Global History writing, and new research into the history of 'Colonial Switzerland'. They shall become acquainted with the biographies of the 23 'founding fathers' of modern Switzerland, who drafted the federal state's 1848 constitution. Examining those biographies students are expected to analyse how the process of European Expansion shaped the biographies of Switzerland's 'founding fathers' and the modern nation, which they helped to establish.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)