STUSSI, RUDOLF

died July 22, 1443, near Zrich Swiss burgomaster of Zrich, whose expansionist ambitions precipitated the first civil war of the Swiss Confederation. From several minor appointments, Stssi rose to the position of burgomaster of Zrich (1430), an office that he retained until his death. In 1436 he forced Zrich into a quarrel with the canton of Schwyz and its chief magistrate, Ital Reding (q.v.), over the inheritance of the late count of Toggenburg, Frederick VII. Its claims to the Toggenburg territories thwarted, Zrich invoked economic sanctions against the rival cantons. Hostilities ensued, and Zrich, soundly beaten at Etzel (1439) and Pfffikon (1440), was forced to withdraw its economic proscriptions. After eradicating his opposition and securing the general support of his townsmen, Stssi concluded an alliance with Austria (1442). The confederation demanded the abrogation of this agreement, however, and by May 1443 the cantons were again at war. Stssi actively participated in the early hostilities but was slain in battle at Sankt Jakob an der Sihl, just outside Zrich.