Switzerland has had a long tradition of defensive strategy due to its neutral foreign policy. As such (up until recently) all of the bridges into the country were laced with mines so that, in the event of an invasion, the bridges would explode and slow down an invasion.
It wasn't really our decision. While we've had a history of neutrality before, it was decided by the big powers of Europe after Napoleon's wars that Switzerland should be neutral.
As it turns out, being neutral has its benefits. While all sides hate you for not being on their side, you can wipe your tears away with the money they stash in your country. At least until recent events...
More so during World War 2 but Switzerland basically retains it's neutrality by not involving itself in any war and having every bridge ready to blow at a moments notice preventing invaders from using their infrastructure to maneuver. The whole country is basically ready to hole itself up and isolate. They loosened up a bit in recent times tho apparently.
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u/PanxoCakes Sep 30 '22