The self-confessed socialist Karl Bürkli (1823-1901) was born 200 years ago in Zurich. He comes from a patrician family and is a trained tanner. In his 20s, he began to travel: Paris, Texas, Nicaragua. He is guided by socialist ideas, the overcoming of capitalism for a more just society. After his return and a backpack full of inspiration for Switzerland, he begins to get actively involved.
KONSUMVEREIN ZÜRICH
This share of the Konsumverein Zürich is issued on June 17, 1897. The security also shows two transfers in 1916 and then in 1948. Source: Foundation Collection of Historical Securities.
Cooperative movements in the course of industrialization characterize Zurich in the second half of the 19th century. Associations on the consumer side emerge to represent their interests. Consumer associations are part of this movement and are dedicated to the low-cost distribution of goods. In 1851, Karl Bürkli co-founded the first officially so-called consumer association, the Konsumverein Zürich, together with other like-minded people. Further consumer associations are founded throughout Switzerland, which were merged into the Association of Swiss Consumer Associations in 1890.
Historical bond of Coop Switzerland, 21.03.1983, Source: Foundation for the Collection of Historical Securities
From 1970 onwards, the Association of Swiss Consumer Associations is called Coop. Rebates as well as cash payment at daily prices are the peculiarity of consumer associations. In 1974, Coop introduced net prices and thus this era comes to an end.
Zürcher Kantonalbank
Karl Bürkli will not only offer food to the entire population at a fair price, but also create a place where all people can store their money or get loans. Large banks such as Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA), founded in 1956, are not designed to serve people with low incomes and assets. The SKA covers the large companies and institutions.
During his tenure as a member of the Zurich Cantonal Council, Bürkli advocates the creation of a bank that would enable the less well-off part of the population to obtain loans. After the plebiscite in 1869, the Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) is founded in 1870 as a bank for the people.
In the collection of the Finance Museum there is a bond of the Zürcher Kantonalbank from 1940. In the 1940s, ZKB had around 120 branches. Zürcher Kantonalbank, 04.12.1940, Source: Foundation for the Collection of Historical Securities.
During his lifetime, Karl Bürkli shapes the people of Zurich with his commitment to a just society and the distribution of goods. This blog offers only a small insight into his broad actions. The historian Urs Hafner writes about Bürkli in his book "Der Sozialist vom Paradeplatz" (Echtzeit, 2023).
Title picture: Konsumverein Zürich, approx. 1950,
Source: Baugeschichtliches Archiv