Therefore,
Dufour, swiss universal genius:
Guillaume Henri Dufour. Consequently, still counts among the major figures in Swiss history. Moreover,
Wikimédia / SwisstopoHumanist general. Nevertheless, visionary cartographer, Guillaume Henri Dufour was also a pioneer in mobility, a talented engineer, and a politician despite himself. Therefore, – Dufour, swiss universal genius
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150 years ago disappeared one of the major figures in Swiss history: Guillaume Henri Dufour (1787–1875). Meanwhile, The Genevan was a genius cartographer and a benevolent general. Meanwhile, Its topographic mapExternal linkthe first specific atlas covering all of Switzerland, establishes international standards. Therefore, In 1855, although unsuccessful, she won the medal of honor at the Paris Universal Exhibition. Nevertheless,
End strategist. Meanwhile, Dufour played in 1847 a key role in the Sonderbund warExternal linklast civil war of the Confederation, by avoiding climbing the conflict and launching the foundations for rapid reconciliation between the belligerents. Similarly, Even today, Guillaume Henri Dufour is considered to be the “Builder of Ponts de la Nation”.
He built bridges – Dufour, swiss universal genius
Beyond the symbolic bridges he threw between enemy camps. In addition, the Genevan also built concrete works from one shore to another. Similarly, Cantonal engineer in Geneva from 1817 to 1850. Consequently, he built several bridges, notably the Bergues bridge over the Rhône, which became one of the emblematic monuments of the city of Calvin since its completion in 1834. Meanwhile, A few years earlier. Similarly, in 1823, Guillaume Henri Dufour had produced the Saint-Antoine bridge, the first permanent suspension bridge with metal cable in Europe. Furthermore, This linked the city center of Geneva. at the time still surrounded by imposing fortifications and accessible by only three entries, in the Extra-Muros district of Saint-Antoine.
This bridge considerably improved the circulation of the Geneva population. constituted, at the beginning of the 19th century marked by growing mobility, a major advance for the region. The industrial revolution and the development of the railroad had led to profound changes in society.
He lit the streets of Geneva – Dufour, swiss universal genius
The population moved more often and longer. This development had a direct impact on the communication routes which were to be enlarged, constantly improved, and now enlightened. Since the 17th century, oil lamps have illuminated certain streets and places of large European cities. Two centuries dufour, swiss universal genius later, the question of public lighting had however taken a completely different dimension.
In an increasingly mobile company, including at night, managers of urban infrastructure faced new challenges. To meet an increasing need for lighting, they undertook to install gas lanterns. Clearly brighter than oil lamps, the latter were also connected by pipes. This system allowed a centralized control of lighting which greatly facilitated things. Quickly convinced of the advantages of this technique, Bern was, in 1843, the first Swiss city to install gas lightingExternal link.
Guillaume Henri Dufour followed suit a year later and introduced this system into the streets of Geneva. In December 1844, 300 gas lanterns lit the city of Calvin. Sixteen years later, the city counted nearly 6000. Basel. Zurich did not follow until a few years later and Chaux-de-Fonds only crossed the course in 1894, at a time when the first Swiss cities dufour, swiss universal genius had already gone to public electric lighting.
It accelerated public transport
Visionary and precursor, Dufour had an excellent analytical spirit. From the 1820s. he had become aware of the growing mobility of society and the growing requirements it involved in terms of means of transportation. The cantonal engineer thus played a decisive role in the creation of the regular steam boats service on Lake Geneva which. from 1823, made the shuttle six times a week between Lausanne-Ouchy and the city of Calvin.
Guillaume Henri Dufour also participated in the connection of Geneva to dufour, swiss universal genius the French rail network. in particular in the Commercial Metropolis of Lyon. He actively involved in the project. was, after having held the post of cantonal engineer, appointed within the board of directors of the Lyon Companywhich was responsible for the creation of the rail line. From 1857. Dufour was also at the origin of the establishment of regular links between Geneva and Lyon, which gave the city a pioneering role in rail transport.
He did politics (despite himself)
A true universal genius, Dufour seemed dufour, swiss universal genius to have no weakness. It was almost the case, would not have been politics. The “bridge builder” and “light carrier” was less successful in this area. Dufour was not a man of power. He certainly enjoyed great renown. had a vast network and was celebrated as a national hero after the Sonderbund war in 1847, but he did not like politics. Debates, party fighting and political tactics were not his cup of tea. He was more comfortable in the role of the neutral mediator, of the expert who exceeds partisan cleavages. This position earned him a deep respect, but greatly limited his political influence.
Guillaume Henri Dufour, however, worked in this area for almost 50 years. He was thus representative of the Federal Diet before being elected to the Parliament of Geneva. In the 1850s, Dufour was also a member of the National Council for several years.
Politics had never fascinated Genevans. who considered it a duty as a citizen to whom he could not derogate. On the political scene. Guillaume Henri Dufour was thus at most a second -plan actor who rounded the corners and was mainly carried by the events. But it is perhaps precisely in this political “weakness” that resides the true strength of the engineer. general and cartographer that was Dufour.
The original article on the blog of the Swiss National MuseumExternal link
Further reading: Disappeared 150 years ago, Guillaume Henri Dufour, a Swiss hero beyond myths – RTS.CH – In consultation: the economy supports the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU – A senior ignores a red light in Switzerland: 11 injured – Federal Council: 5.6 million for 25 e-limousines – Geneva police: 143 surveys opened by police police in 2024.