The French abolished all existing governments and constitutions, and completely restructured the territory.

Although most people in the subject territories were glad to see the end of the old regime, many had hoped to see it replaced by a similar loose confederation, but one where power was more evenly spread and where all areas enjoyed equal rights.

What actually happened was very different. Swiss revolutionaries with French backing drew up a constitution for a centralised Helvetic Republic, which was adopted in April 1798.

The distinction between cantons, subject territories and common lordships was wiped out, but administrative borders were rearranged in a way which took no account of history. The loose confederate diet was replaced by a two-chamber parliament of indirectly elected members, and a five-man directory, which functioned as the government.

Although the government was in Swiss hands, the country was obliged to accept a number of unpopular measures imposed by the French. These included accommodating and feeding French troops, at vast expense to ordinary people, and allowing them to use Switzerland as a transit route.

Switzerland was also obliged to accept a treaty of alliance with France, breaking the tradition of neutrality established by the Confederation.