Switzerland In Focus - Discover Switzerland: Experience the Best of Switzerland - page 572

voted in favour of legalising civil unions for same-sex couples (but not marriage), one
more defeat for the SVP.
Yet few expect Switzerland to even consider joining either the EU or the Euro single-
currency zone any time soon (if ever). Traditionally, the French-speaking western cantons
have long desired both, while the German-speaking cantons (and Ticino) have generally
been opposed.
Timeline
58 BC
Julius Caesar establishes the Celtic tribe, Helvetii, between the Alps and the Jura.
AD 1032
Clans in western Switzerland are swallowed up by the Holy Roman Empire.
1273
Habsburg ruler Rudolph I becomes Holy Roman Emperor and takes control of much
Swiss territory.
1291
Modern Switzerland officially 'begins' with the independence pact at Rütli Meadow
(some claim it was 1307).
1315
Swiss militias win a surprise victory over Habsburg Austrian forces at the Battle of
Morgarten.
1476
Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, is crushed at the Battle of Murten.
1499
The Swiss Confederation wins virtual independence from the Habsburg-led Holy Ro-
man Empire.