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Geneva
was a coveted strategic and commercial prize long before
it had become the uncontested capital of fine timepieces
valued all over the world. Situated astride major water
and land routes between northern and southern Europe,
guarding the western approaches of the lake that bears
its name , it was occasionally besieged and sometimes
taken. But its tenaciously independent sprit and political
shrewdness always allowed it to recover its territory
and freedom.
As
it grew into an important center of commerce, Geneva
attracted learned minds along with merchants. Every
year, traders of every description traveled from all
over Europe to attend its fairs, while men of letters
where happy to settle within its walls. Its attachment
to freedom and readiness to defend it tooth and nail
made the city a heaven where both men and ideas could
find safety.
Opening
its doors to Jean Calvin and his religious reforms earned
Geneva the name of "Protestant Rome", a magnet for the
thousands fleeing Roman Catholic persecutions. The reformation
marked a crucial turning point in the city's long
history, deeply influencing the character of its inhabitants
and institutions as well as the social and economic
development. Thanks to these successive waves
of new inhabitants , Geneva was able to survive the
protectionist politics of the Kingdom of France, while
acquiring new trades and crafts including watchmaking,
soon the become the area's chief occupation.
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