Henri Guisan

ModernGeneralSwitzerland1874 — 1960

Swiss general who prepared for Nazi invasion.

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Quick Facts

Born

1874

Died

1960

Country

Switzerland

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)23

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)56

Leadership (15%)77

Strategy (15%)61

Total Score58.3

Henri Guisan — Complete Timeline

1939 AD

Appointment as General of the Swiss ArmyPolitical Action◆ Major

Guisan was appointed General of the Swiss Armed Forces at the outbreak of World War II, a position only held during wartime. He was tasked with defending Swiss neutrality against potential invasion by Nazi Germany.

World War IIMilitaryNeutrality

Impact: national

1940 AD

Implementation of the National Redoubt StrategyWar◆ Major

Guisan ordered the construction of fortifications in the Swiss Alps, concentrating the army in the mountainous 'Reduit'. This strategy aimed to make invasion costly and deter Germany, while sacrificing the industrial heartland.

Military StrategyFortificationWorld War II

Impact: national

Rütli Report SpeechPolitical Action◆ Major

Guisan delivered the R

Military StrategyWorld War IIDefense

Impact: national

1945 AD

Demobilization of the Swiss ArmyPolitical Action◆ Major

After the end of World War II, Guisan oversaw the demobilization of the Swiss army. He stepped down as General, returning the country to a peacetime posture, having successfully maintained Swiss neutrality.

DemobilizationWorld War IINeutrality

Impact: nationalconstructive