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Author
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Topic: Swiss mercenaries in the 1470's
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Kent
Member
Member # 161
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posted 10-01-2001 04:06 PM
   
Hi, All --
Due to early experiences, and some ancestry on my Mom's side, I am curious about the 15th Cent. Swiss from Appenzell and Zurich. Can anybody steer me towards a reputable volume - or two -- which details who fought on whose side, whether these folks thought of themselves as part of some other, larger kingdom or if their only allegience was to their Canton, etc.? Were Appenzell and Zurich even part of the Confederation at this point? I would guess that political self-image would vary to some extent based on one's social rank -- a goatherder would probably not think much about which lord owed what service to which Duke, and so on. So let's say a professional pikeman -- would he sign up with whoever was paying the most, or did everybody from the same village or valley hang together? Would such a man only work with his buddies, and never "go solo"? If you know of any sources which would explore these types of socio-political issues, I'd appreciate the reference. Thanks much,
-- Kent
Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged
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Gen d'Arme
Member
Member # 60
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posted 10-01-2001 06:23 PM
Kent:
As you probably know the first three Cantons of the Swiss confederation were: Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, who formed the Confederation in 1291. These three Cantons were known as the Waldstatten (Forrest states or Cantons). This alliance was formed to counter Habsburg Austrian expansion. Zurich did not join the Confederation untill 1351, so Zurich was obviously envolved (quite powerfully actually) in 15th Century Swiss history. Appensell however did not join untill 1513. If you have been to Switzeland and travelled to Appenzell you will notice a culture that we would think of today as uniquely Swiss, just from steriotypes. However Appenzell culture is quite isolationist and unique in itself when compared to the rest of the German Cantons of Switzerland such as Zurich, Bern, Schwyz, Uri, Lucern and Unterwalden. Here are some resources for research on Swiss history:- 1)"The Swiss at War 1300-1500." by Douglas Miller and G A Embleton. Osprey publishers' Men at Arms series #94. 2)The next is "One Million Mercenaries." by John McCormack, Leo Copper publishers. 3)Then there is - "Chronik der Schweiz." -Unfortunately I do not have the book anymore and I can't give you the authors or publishers names, but go to Addall.com, go to the used book section and type in Chronik der schwyz. Every now and then they can track down a copy. It is an excellent book (quite thick) dealing with Swiss history from Roman times to today, but deals with medieval history in depth. The only other problem is it is in German. I would personally recommend going to Switzerland and to Appenzell - I have to reveal my personal biased as my Familly (Laubscher) are of Swiss decent - from Bern in particular (as Swiss as Fletcher is English, and as common) and I have family in Switzerland (in Zurich). Anyway enough bragging - I hope I was at least of some help to you.Pieter.
Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged
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