What led to the denominational split of Switzerland?

With the Reformation, some cantons became Reformed and others stayed Catholic. As a result, there were two denominations in the Confederation.

Common mistakes

A: the Anabaptist movement

The Anabaptists were a small group within the Reformation; they were persecuted, but did not split the country.

D: the dissolution of the monasteries

Monasteries were dissolved as a result of the Reformation; the cause of the split was the Reformation itself.

C: the general strike

The general strike (Landesstreik) was in 1918 and had nothing to do with religion.

The Reformation

In the 16th century, many people in Europe wanted to renew the Catholic Church. For example, they criticised the fact that people could buy their way out of their sins with money. This religious movement is called the Reformation. It began in 1517 in Germany with Martin Luther. It gave rise to the Protestant faith, in Switzerland usually called «Reformed» or «Evangelical Reformed».

History of Switzerland · Reformation, Napoleon and neutrality

Sources

• stadt-zuerich.ch
• zh.ch
• hls-dhs-dss.ch

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