That association of mountainous territories shut in among the European
powers, Switzerland solved part of its financial problems as early as
the Renaissance by developing a truly mercenary industry. Each canton
could sign a contract (a capitulation) to recruit military units with
their own officers and regulations in exchange for pay and equipment for
a neighboring state. On the eve of the Revolution there were therefore
Swiss units in the government guards or the troops of the Line in
France, the Italian States, Spain and the United Provinces.
The revolutionary process in France ran up against their loyalty to
their employer: the King, and the sad events of the massacre of the
Swiss Guard on 10 August 1792 whereas the Swiss regiments of the Line
were disbanded.
During the vast European reorganization led by France between 1793 and
1813, Switzerland was politically and geographically transformed and
furnished its big neighbor whether it liked it or not with troops of
great worth who upheld their favorite motto "Honneur et Fidélité".
A lot has already been written on the Swiss regiments. The book skims
over the Swiss troops in service with the King on the eve of the
Revolution to concentrate on those who served the Republic, the
Consulate and then the Empire, focusing on less well-known aspects.
