Gegen den Tyrannen im Westen. Antifranzösische Standpunkte von Zürcher Stadtgeistlichen im XVII. Jahrhundert

Throughout the entire 17th century, the Zurich clergy formed a strong and consistent anti-French bloc. Whenever the French king attempted to forge an alliance, raise mercenary troops or tighten the bond between Zurich and France, the clergymen voiced their opposition. They made frequent use of a petition instrument, the so-called Fürträge, to remind the council that France was an enemy of the protestant religion, an unreliable partner and a dangerous neighbour. In a remarkable mix of theological, political, social and military arguments, the Zurich clergymen stated their sentiments in such a compelling way that both the French Ambassador and the council occasionally tried to deter them from voicing their opinion.