Economic changes
Economic and social developments in the 18th century benefited some sections of society and disadvantaged others.
Agriculture became a more commercial activity, run on rational economic lines. Poor peasants were squeezed out as common land was gradually divided up. Landless peasants were obliged to eke out their existence with other work.
Many rural residents became dependent on "homeworking", particularly in the textile and clock-making industries. Entrepreneurs provided the tools and raw materials and workers did the work in their own homes, rather than in factories.
By the end of the 18th century, Switzerland had more manufacturing than any other country on the European continent.
Switzerland took an active part in the transatlantic economic system. The great beneficiaries were the bankers who helped to finance overseas commerce, and the textile manufacturers whose output was part of the "triangular trade". Swiss-made printed cotton was exchanged for slaves in Africa, who were sold in the Americas, whose products then returned for sale in Europe.
"Industry shows itself there [in the Jura] in the most favourable point of view. It is not the industry of numbers collected together in a manufactory, and enriching no one but the employer, but it is exerted individually by every one in his own dwelling and for his own advantage... Luxury, however, is the stimulus of their industry, but it is the luxury of others. Watches, watchwork, and lace are the general employment, and keep both sexes busily at work."
Thomas Langton, letter 12, September 1816