«Dornach 1499»  and the Swiss Confederation around 1500

12 February 2025

«Dornach 1499»  Documentary (45 minutes, German language) by Francis de Andrade (idea and production) and Moritz Willenegger (scenario and realisation).

At the end of the 15th century, the northern regions of today’s Switzerland were at war with the Habsburg Empire along the current borders. The documentary explains the background and outcomes of this conflict.

 Contents:

• It discusses the political situation and development of the old Confederation within the Holy Roman Empire, focusing on modern historical research findings.
• The still-preserved, insightful traces, ruins, and historical monuments from the conflict (Swabian War/Swiss War), a widespread fire of the 15th century that took place on the territory of the Confederation.
• The mercenary system as an export product of the Confederate cantons.
• Competition between the Confederates and Swabians in the European mercenary market.
• Heini Wolleb’s biography as a typical example of a professional soldier in the context of his time.
• Political and economic context of the Swabian or Swiss War.
• Culture of remembrance and significance of the Battle of Dornach in modern Switzerland.
• Conditions and impacts of the “Peace of Basel”.
• The formation of the Confederation of thirteen Cantons and its brief appearance as a great power in the Renaissance wars

«Dornach 1499» is available on Youtube

(Source and further information:  www.nextattention.com)