The Neuchatel Affair
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Authors
Rickenbacher, Alain
Subjects
Advisors
Moran, Daniel
Date of Issue
1996-06
Date
June 1996
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
This thesis, a historical case study, focuses on the conflict between Prussia and Switzerland in the middle of the nineteenth century. Specifically, the thesis examines the sources of the struggle, political developments during its course, and the military measures taken by both sides, including the operational plans for what might well have been a major war. Through this conflict, one can observe that the Concert of Europe, established after the defeat of Napoleon, was no longer functioning as it did in 1815 and immediately after. Since the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Neuchatel was simultaneously a Prussian Principality and a Swiss canton. In the face of Prussian efforts to resolve this ambiguity by force, the Swiss presented a common front, setting aside the lingering divisions of the Sonderbund War (the Swiss Civil War) from a few years before. In addition to the fact that they were able to re-unite in the presence of a common foe, the Swiss impressed the Great Powers with their determination to defend themselves. The Swiss action during the Neuchatel Affair was arguably a major factor behind the continued respect for Switzerland's neutrality by the Great Powers.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (NSA)
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
98 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner