An unsuccessful pro-Prussian coup d'etat in Neuchâtel…
September 1856 CE
An unsuccessful pro-Prussian coup d'etat in Neuchâtel in September 1856 had been encouraged by Frederick William and conducted by loyalist aristocrats under the leadership of members of the family of Pourtalès.
When five hundred and thirty of the aristocrats are arrested, Frederick William appeals to the Swiss Federal Council for their release and also asks the French emperor Napoleon III to intercede for them.
The Swiss at first persist in declaring that the rebels must be brought to trial.
Prussia severs diplomatic relations with Switzerland and begins preparations for war.
The Swiss arm too, but action is delayed while the French emperor pursues diplomatic endeavors.