| This thesis offers a reinterpretation of the development of the Swiss Confederation, particularly its relationship to the organization of Communes formed in urban and rural centers in Italy, France and elsewhere from the twelfth century. The communal charters are compared to the charters of the Swiss Confederation. Deriving from an earlier mutual defense association, the Peace and Truce of God, the Swiss Confederation expanded to form the basis of municipal confederations. This thesis contends that the Communes were essentially a further expansion of the same model. The movement aimed to control violence, promote economic stability and political dominance. As an institution of peace, the communal organization began with the goal of establishing order. The Swiss Confederation was an organization of communes, but its charters and development were a direct result of the Peace movement and the communal movement. |
