Zurich history traces the journey of the Swiss city through invasions and different social and political upheavals. The city of Zurich has a rich and varied past, marked by significant events.
Ancient History of Zurich
The ancient history of Zurich began around 740, when settlements of Zürich Mozartstrasse and Zürich Pressehaus flourished in the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, along the shores of lakes. These early habitations were invaded by the mighty Romans in Zurich, and their settlements predominantly on the Lindenhof hillock. The Romans continued to inhabit and rule the city, until the rise of German imperialism.
Zurich under the Germans
The German rule in Zurich continued till the middle of the 14th century. Since the 740s, Zurich was a part of Alemannia, ruled by the French. Towards the beginning of the 11th century, the rule of King Henry III created difference in the conditions of the city, restoring the convents with market holding rights and also granting them the right to mint coins and collect toll taxes. These benevolent activities on the part of the German emperor improved the social and financial conditions of the Zurich people to a considerable extent.
Around 1220s, the Zähringer family of rulers were gradually exterminated and the Swiss city of Zurich was transformed into a 'reichsunmittelbar', a privileged social and political status conferred upon a city. The contributions of Frederick II as the next Emperor of Zurich were numerous and far-reaching, affecting the social and political life of the inhabitants immensely.
Zurich in the 1350s
After undergoing numerous foreign invasions, the
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modernization of Zurich started in the beginning in the 14th century. The first step towards modernization was the inclusion of the city into the Swiss Federation in 1351, as one of the prominent members. Towards the closing of the 15th century, the total area of Zurich increased considerably, with the inclusion of territories like Eglisau, Thurgau, Stein am Rhein and Winterthur.
Zurich Reformation
Zwingli, a famous leader of Swiss reformation, started reforming Zurich in the 1550s. At that point of time he was the main preacher in Zurich at Grossmunster and he was instrumental in instilling spiritual awareness among the people of Zurich , through his preachings from liturgical church scripts.
Zurich as a Republic
Zurich was declared as a Republic in February 1798 . After a series of foreign intrusions in Zurich since historic times, the Swiss city first tasted political autonomy in the wake of active mass dissatisfactions, which built up among the lakeside dwellers. This led to movements in the 1790s, and the abolition of the old governmental system in Zurich. It was under the Helvetic Constitution, that the Zurich country districts finally gained political independence.
Zurich in the Modern Age
The contemporary history of Zurich began in the period following the Napoleonic epoch. Modern Age in Zurich witnessed the emergence of the first rail in Switzerland, called the Spanisch-Brötli-Bahn, connecting Zurich with Baden. In fact, with Zurich becoming politically independent, activities regarding the social, financial, technological and political developments were achieved at a rapid pace.
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