Switzerland is known as a country of high technology, quality and innovation. However, its path to industrialisation has not been easy and is full of little-known, dark sides. This is particularly true of the textile industry, which was at the origin of Switzerland's economic growth. In the 19th century, the textile industry became the backbone of the economy, but its development was associated with difficult working conditions, environmental damage and resource exploitation. Let us look at these aspects in more detail.  Learn also about the disgusting past of the Swiss textile industry: https://swiss-partner.biz/blog/swiss-roots-of-colonialism  Labour and exploitation of workers  At the beginning of industrialisation, working conditions in Swiss textile factories were terrible. The working day lasted between 12 and 16 hours, including night shifts, and often the workers were children who performed arduous and dangerous tasks. Child labour was widespread, and despite gradual attempts to introduce restrictions, reform did not come quickly. Workers lacked basic social protection and laboured in conditions that threatened their health and lives. Low wages and lack of workers' rights led to social tensions and triggered struggles for labour rights.  Environmental impact of textile production  The textile industry in Switzerland in the nineteenth century caused significant environmental damage. Fabrics were dyed using heavy chemicals such as lead and mercury compounds, which were dumped into rivers and the ground. Waste from textile mills polluted water, leading to deterioration of water bodies and reduced quality of drinking water. The negative effects of textile production on the environment were so severe that it was one of the first reasons for the development of environmental standards and conservation laws.  Dependence on colonial ties  The Swiss textile industry was closely linked to colonial supplies of raw materials such as cotton imported from America and India. Despite the absence of colonies, Swiss manufacturers were dependent on imported raw materials from colonial regions. This meant that Swiss textile production indirectly contributed to the exploitation of labour in other countries, including slave labour in the USA. This state of affairs attracted public criticism and was one of the reasons for the renegotiation of trade relations in the twentieth century.  Conclusion: the legacy and lessons of a dark past  The dark pages of the history of the Swiss textile industry are a reminder of the country's complex and ambiguous path to modernity. Harsh working conditions, environmental damage and dependence on colonial resources were lessons for generations to come. These problems led to the need for social reforms, improved environmental standards and the development of more ethical production methods. The story of the Swiss textile industry is not only a tale of growth and prosperity, but also an important lesson about the cost of industrialisation. Today, Switzerland is one of the most environmentally conscious countries with high social standards, and its experience can be useful for other countries striving for sustainable development and social justice.