In Swiss history, the Helvetic Republic (1798–1803) represented an early attempt to impose a central authority over Switzerland, which until then consisted mainly of self-governing cantons united by a loose military alliance, and conquered territories such as Vaud. Its name was taken from the Helvetian people. A constitutional arrangement imposed by French military might, the Republic existed as a state for only five years and failed to achieve widespread popular support among its citizens. However, some aspects of it have survived into present-day Switzerland.