alternatehistory.com

Historically the Sonderbundskrieg was a short Swiss civil war that turned out to be surprisingly... civil. Which was surprising considering this was a civil war with deep religious and ideological undertones involving over 170,000 soldiers. The war lasted 1 month, with less than 600 casualties and 100 killed.

That might be partly credited to Confederate General Dufour, who was famously moderate in restraining the actions of his troops and radical politicians that would have escalated the nature of the conflict.

But what happens if the Sonderbund was a longer and bloodier conflict, more typical of most civil wars? How would Swiss history handle the lasting divisions that result?

Quick POD: Guillaume Dufour is mistakenly killed by a sniper (or Congreve Rockets) during the fall of Fribourg after being provoked by an accidental attack by Vaudois troops not aware of the armistice. The Federal army isn't prevented from sacking Fribourg in retaliation, with particular focus being given to crimes against the Jesuits Society. Subsequently the remaining Sonderbund Cantons realize that surrender is not an option. On the northern front the Sonderbund manages to ambush the Federal army and break the encirclement of Lucerne. December prompts both sides to withdraw from the frontlines for winter and spend the time drilling their troops. Come campaign season next year the Sonderbund has a motivated, trained, and fortified army ready to make the war an attritional slog.
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