Changes

Switzerland [[Industrial revolution|industrialized]] rapidly during the 19th century and by 1850 had become the second most industrialized country in Europe after [[Great Britain]]. During [[World War I]] serious tension developed between the German, French, and Italian-speaking parts of the country, and Switzerland came close to violating its neutrality but managed to stay out of hostilities. Labor unrest culminating in a general strike in 1918 marked the interwar period, but in 1937 employers and the largest trade union concluded a formal agreement to settle disputes peacefully, which governs workplace relations to the present day. During [[World War II]], Switzerland came under heavy pressure from the [[Fascism|fascist]] powers, which after the fall of France in 1940 completely surrounded the country. Some political and economic leaders displayed a mood of appeasement, but a combination of tactical accommodation and demonstrative readiness to defend the country helped Switzerland survive unscathed.

Switzerland [[Industrial revolution|industrialized]] rapidly during the 19th century and by 1850 had become the second most industrialized country in Europe after [[Great Britain]]. During [[World War I]] serious tension developed between the German, French, and Italian-speaking parts of the country, and Switzerland came close to violating its neutrality but managed to stay out of hostilities. Labor unrest culminating in a general strike in 1918 marked the interwar period, but in 1937 employers and the largest trade union concluded a formal agreement to settle disputes peacefully, which governs workplace relations to the present day. During [[World War II]], Switzerland came under heavy pressure from the [[Fascism|fascist]] powers, which after the fall of France in 1940 completely surrounded the country. Some political and economic leaders displayed a mood of appeasement, but a combination of tactical accommodation and demonstrative readiness to defend the country helped Switzerland survive unscathed.

The [[Cold War]] enhanced the role of neutral Switzerland and offered the country a way out of its diplomatic isolation after World War II. Economically, Switzerland integrated itself into the [[United States|American]]-led Western postwar order, but it remained reluctant to enter supranational bodies. Switzerland did not join the [[United Nations]], even though [[Geneva]] became host to the UN's European headquarters, and the country played an active role in many of the UN's specialized agencies. Switzerland also remained aloof in the face of European integration efforts, waiting until 1963 to join the Council of Europe. It still remains outside the European Union. Instead, Switzerland in 1960 helped form the European Free Trade Area, which did not strive for political union. Following the Cold War, Switzerland joined the Bretton Woods institutions in 1992 and became a member of the United Nations in 2002.

The [[Cold War]] enhanced the role of neutral Switzerland and offered the country a way out of its diplomatic isolation after World War II. Economically, Switzerland integrated itself into the [[United States|American]]-led Western postwar order, but it remained reluctant to enter supranational bodies. Switzerland did not join the [[United Nations]], even though [[Geneva]] became host to the UN's European headquarters, and the country played an active role in many of the UN's specialized agencies. Switzerland also remained aloof in the face of European integration efforts, waiting until 1963 to join the [[Council of Europe]]. It still remains outside the [[European Union]]. Instead, Switzerland in 1960 helped form the European Free Trade Area, which did not strive for political union. Following the Cold War, Switzerland joined the Bretton Woods institutions in 1992 and became a member of the United Nations in 2002.

{{Copyright Details (US Government)}}  

{{Copyright Details (US Government)}}