Alfred Escher: The King of Switzerland and the Gotthard Tunnel Gamble
The article profiles Alfred Escher, the Zurich politician and industrial magnate who was the most powerful figure in the Swiss federal state. Escher propelled Switzerland into modernity but ultimately fell victim to his own success. The construction of the Gotthard Tunnel was a bet on technological progress; its builder, Louis Favre, promised far more than he could deliver.
Key facts
- Alfred Escher was the most powerful person in the Swiss federal state.
- Escher was a Zurich politician and industrial magnate.
- He catapulted Switzerland into modernity.
- Escher became a victim of his own success story.
- The Gotthard Tunnel construction was a bet on technological development.
- Louis Favre was the builder of the Gotthard Tunnel.
- Favre promised much more than he could deliver.
Entities
Locations
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Gotthard Tunnel