1444 Zurich is besieged by the confederates. Charles VII of France sends to her aid wild bands of the Armagnacs under command of the dauphin Louis. They slaughter the confederates, who make a heroic defence at Sankt Jacob on the Birs before Bâle.
1450 Peace is concluded. Zurich is forced to renounce her alliance with Austria.
1452 The Swiss League concludes treaty of friendship with France. A new class of allies, the associate districts (Zugwandte Orte), begins to gather round the league.
1458 The league forms an alliance with Rapperschwyl. Sigismund, duke of Austria, irritated by its loss declares war.
1460 The confederates overrun the Austrian Thurgau. This results in the second accession of common bailiwicks. The art of printing is established at Bâle. Founding of the University of Bâle. Material and artistic culture flourishes.
1461 Sigismund gives up Thurgau which comes under the protection of the confederates.
1463 The confederates renew the French treaty with Louis XI.
1467 Zurich purchases Winterthur from Sigismund. The league makes a treaty of friendship with Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy.
1468 The Swiss lay siege to Waldshut. Sigismund buys them off.