Unterwalden , former canton, Central Switzerland; it occupied the basins of the Sarner Aa (river) and the Engelberger Aa. The former canton is (east and west) in two sovereign Half-cantons divided - Nidwalden and Obwalden - based on the medieval Distinction between the upper and lower river valley. Unterwalden was incorporated into the Zürichgau and ruled after 1173 by the Habsburg counts as representatives of the German king. 1291 formed it with Uri and Schwyz die Eternal League which goes to the core of the Swiss Confederation . 1340 Unterwalden divided into Nidwalden and Obwalden. Although Nidwalden and Obwalden still retained their separate identities, they usually appeared together as Canton Unterwalden. 1803 they became equal Half Cantons .
The context. The cantonalist phenomenon falls within the framework of the First Spanish Republic, being one of the most extreme manifestations of that period since it involved an explosion of long-silent popular desires. After the abdication of Amadeo I, the Cortes, united Congress and Senate in a