The Battle of Morgarten 1315: How Swiss Peasants Crushed Habsburg Knights

In this episode of The Story of Switzerland, Lucas and Luna return to the foundational story of Swiss independence — the Battle of Morgarten in 1315. They explore how the mountain cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden, united in the Eternal Alliance of 1291, faced the might of the Habsburg army under Duke Leopold I. Using terrain, surprise, and rudimentary weapons like halberds and rocks, the Swiss peasants and herdsmen defeated heavily armored knights, securing their autonomy and forging a martial reputation that would echo for centuries. Lucas discusses the tactical details: the narrow pass between Lake Aegeri and the Morgarten mountain, the avalanche of boulders and logs, the psychological impact of the yodeling and horn calls. He also addresses the contested mythology — how later chroniclers embellished the story, and how the battle became a cornerstone of Swiss national identity. Luna asks about the immediate aftermath and the Pact of Brunnen, which solidified the confederacy. The episode ends with a reflection on how a single, unlikely victory can shape a nation's destiny. #BattleOfMorgarten #SwissHistory #Habsburgs #LeopoldI #Uri #Schwyz #Unterwalden #EternalAlliance #Halberd #PactOfBrunnen #MedievalSwitzerland #Cantons #MilitaryHistory #SwissIndependence #Morgarten #History #FexingoHistory #Europe #RTlischwur #Sempach Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo