The territory of present-day Switzerland was part of the Roman gradually, Frankish and Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
Imperial flag display a black eagle with red beak and claws on golden field. Flag Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation appear black eagle with red beak and claws on a white field. Territory granted Schwyz in 1240 by Emperor Frederick II. privilege to use a red flag to sign right power over life and death. In 1289 the support of King Rudolph I of Habsburg in the war against Burgundy gained Schwyz right to use the cross on which Jesus Christ was tortured as a holy sign of protection and spread of Christianity.
In 1291 after the death of the German King Rudolph I. joined together to protect their ancient rights of the three original cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden under common red flag with a white cross. Out of respect and to commemorate this historic moment was August 1, 1291 intended for creation of the old federation and declared a public holiday. Imperial Habsburg dynasty was re-tried by subjecting the Federation, but her attempts had the opposite result Federation and gradually conquered the other Habsburg territories. Complete independence from the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation reached Federation after winning the Swabian War of 1499. By 1509, Pope Julius II. began to use to protect themselves invincible Swiss guards. Federation myth of invincibility lost defeat at the Battle of Marignane in 1515 against France.
Ended the period of expansion and the Federation began to speak and act neutral. As a result of expansion of the French Revolution was founded in 1798 Helvetic Republic of centralized government over a bunch of separate cantons. Helvetic Republic in the period of its existence 1798 - 1803 used green - red - yellow flag with a yellow sign Republique HELVETIQUE the red bar. In 1803 Napoleon restored Swiss autonomy and the Congress of Vienna after the defeat of Napoleon in 1815 fully confirmed the independence of Switzerland and guarantees its permanent neutrality. Switzerland became the seat of several international organizations. The form of the Swiss flag is exceptional. Along with the flag of the Vatican has the shape of a square. The red field of the flag symbolizes endurance, bravery, strength and courage. White Cross is peace and honesty.
