In Switzerland, industrialisation began in the early 19th century. What was most important in this process?

Question

Question 221 of 350 · Federal state and industrialisation

In Switzerland, industrialisation began in the early 19th century. What was most important in this process?

In der Schweiz begann die Industrialisierung im frühen 19. Jahrhundert. Was war dabei am wichtigsten?

Correct answer: A

ATextile industryTextilindustrie
BSteel industryStahlindustrie
CCoal miningKohlenförderung
DCar industryAutoindustrie

Why

In Switzerland, industrialisation began with the spinning and weaving of cotton. In 1802, the first large mechanical spinning mill opened near Winterthur.

Common mistakes

B: Steel industry: Switzerland has hardly any iron ore; the steel industry was never the core of Swiss industry.
C: Coal mining: There is almost no coal in Switzerland; it had to be imported.

Topic

From agrarian state to industrial state

Around 1800, most people in Switzerland lived from agriculture. In the 19th century, Switzerland changed from an agrarian state into an industrial state. Industrialisation means: goods are made with machines in factories instead of by hand. The basis was an invention from England: the steam engine. In the 18th century, James Watt improved it so that it could drive machines in factories. This started industrialisation in Europe in the 19th century.

History of Switzerland · Federal state and industrialisation

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.