This book is the representative work of Professor Harriet D. S. Mackenzie. It relatively objectively explains Switzerland's strategic position as a country at the crossroads of Europe and the great power games, struggles and wars it has caused. It also systematically analyzes Switzerland's influence on the rise and fall of European powers. Why was Switzerland "hidden" in the Alps while exerting a decisive influence on the geopolitical pattern of Europe in the Middle Ages and modern times? Why did Swiss mercenaries become a "hot" brand in the Middle Ages? Why was Switzerland's independence and unity the result of a compromise between Austria and France? Why was Switzerland unable to avoid the pain of war as it moved towards modern times? How was Switzerland's neutral status established and guaranteed? This book provides detailed answers.
Reader comments
This book is really good! It analyzes Switzerland's influence on the rise and fall of European powers from an objective perspective, and also explains in detail how Switzerland's neutral status was established and guaranteed. The content in the book is very systematic, covering everything from the origin of civilization to its development and future, which gave me a more comprehensive understanding of Swiss history. Moreover, I especially like the part about Swiss mercenaries, which is very interesting. The translation of names of people and places is also very standardized, the annotations are also very detailed, and the illustrations are rich, making it not boring to read at all. All in all, I think this is a book well worth reading.
This book is really good! It analyzes Switzerland's influence on the rise and fall of European powers from an objective perspective, and also explains in detail how Switzerland's neutral status was established and guaranteed. The content in the book is very systematic, covering everything from the origin of civilization to its development and future, which gave me a more comprehensive understanding of Swiss history. Moreover, I especially like the part about Swiss mercenaries, which is very interesting. The translation of names of people and places is also very standardized, the annotations are also very detailed, and the illustrations are rich, making it not boring to read at all. All in all, I think this is a book well worth reading.