What is neuchatel crisis?

The Neuchâtel Crisis was a political conflict that took place in Switzerland in the mid-19th century. In 1848, the Canton of Neuchâtel adopted a new liberal constitution, introducing various reforms such as universal suffrage and secularization of the state. However, the new constitution was not recognized by the King of Prussia, who was the nominal sovereign of the Canton.

In 1856, a group of conservatives in Neuchâtel carried out a coup d'état, overthrowing the liberal government and declaring their allegiance to the Prussian king. The Swiss federal government intervened by sending troops to restore order and expel the Prussian garrison from the Canton. A federal commission was established to investigate the situation, leading to the recognition of the new liberal constitution.

The Neuchâtel Crisis was significant because it highlighted the tensions between the federal government and the cantons, as well as between Switzerland and its neighboring countries. It also demonstrated the importance of federal intervention in resolving conflicts between cantons and ensuring the unity of the Swiss Confederation.