When war broke out between France and its rivals, Russian and Austrian forces invaded Switzerland. The Swiss refused to fight alongside the French in the name of the Helvetic Republic. In 1803 Napoleon organised a meeting of the leading Swiss politicians from both sides in Paris. The result was the Act of Mediation which largely restored Swiss autonomy and introduced a Confederation of 19 cantons. Henceforth, much of Swiss politics would concern balancing the cantons' tradition of self-rule with the need for a central government. COUNT 5
QSN1 Who refused to fight alongside the Helvetic Republic when it was invaded by the Russians and Austrians? ANS1 The Swiss QSN2 During the Helvetic Republic, which forces invaded Switzerland when war broke out between France and its rivals? ANS2 Russian and Austrian QSN3 What Act was the result of a meeting of Swiss politicians organized by Napolean? ANS3 Act of Mediation QSN4 What was the Act of Mediation responsible for restoring? ANS4 Swiss autonomy QSN5 How many cantons were introduced as a Confederation by the Act of Mediation? ANS5 19