By 1353, the three original cantons had joined with the cantons of Glarus and Zug and the Lucerne, Zürich and Bern city states to form the "Old Confederacy" of eight states that existed until the end of the 15th century. The expansion led to increased power and wealth for the federation. By 1460, the confederates controlled most of the territory south and west of the Rhine to the Alps and the Jura mountains, particularly after victories against the Habsburgs (Battle of Sempach, Battle of Näfels), over Charles the Bold of Burgundy during the 1470s, and the success of the Swiss mercenaries. The Swiss victory in the Swabian War against the Swabian League of Emperor Maximilian I in 1499 amounted to de facto independence within the Holy Roman Empire. COUNT 5
QSN1 In what year did the three original  cantons join with five other cantons to form the "Old Confederacy" of eight states? ANS1 By 1353 QSN2 Which century did the Old Confederacy of the eight states exist until? ANS2 end of the 15th century QSN3 What effect did the expansion of the three cantons into eight have on the status of the federation? ANS3 increased power and wealth QSN4 By 1460, who controlled most of the territory south and west of the Rhine? ANS4 the confederates QSN5 Which Swiss victory in 1499 amounted to de facto independence within the Holy Roman Empire? ANS5 Swabian War