Munsey's Magazine, May 1916

Content Description Richard Le Gallienne's essay "Switzerland: The Gallaean Mountain Republic and Her Six Hundred Years of Liberty" traces Swiss history from prehistoric lake-dwellers through the founding of the Confederation. The article discusses how Switzerland's mountains fostered individualism while binding independent communities together. Le Gallienne examines the Helvetii and Rhetians under Roman rule, followed by medieval Germanic invasions that divided the territory linguistically. He details how the Dukes of Zähringen built walled towns—particularly Berne (1191)—which became crucial to eventual independence. The narrative culminates in the 1291 Bundesbrief compact among Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden against Hapsburg overlordship, and their decisive 1315 victory at Morgarten against Austrian forces. The account includes historical references to William Tell and the three men of Rütli, while acknowledging modern scholarly skepticism about their factual basis. Numerous period engravings illustrate Swiss landscapes, landmarks, and the Lion of Lucerne monument.