Book excerpt: Swiss History in a Nutshell gives you an easy-to-read insight into - the most fascinating moments in Switzerland's rich and colourful history - from its cavemen to its conquests, foundation, growth, independence and prosperity - Switzerland's surprising past as a leading military power in Europe - how Swiss democracy matured through several revolutions - the origins of Swiss cultural differences and how they were overcome to create a stable federal republic - how Switzerland's direct democracy, consensus politics and legendary good industrial relations were achieved. Cartoons (naughty and nice) illustrate this kaleidoscope of key events that have created Switzerland as it is today.