As an Alpine region, Chur was of interest to the various great powers and royal houses. The various parties bribed officials and dignitaries with money and privileges in order to exert corresponding influence on the political institutions. Public offices were often awarded to the highest bidder. This influence, which was often detrimental to the poor population, regularly led to unrest and protests. In 1766, a conflict with the Venetian government led to the closure of all stores in Venice run by allies. Over 240 stores were affected. Bartering Graubünden citizens had to sell their businesses at a loss and either return home or set up store elsewhere.
Around 1770 there was a great shortage of grain in Graubünden. Corn Jews drove up the prices so that men and women had to travel for days to buy corn and rice in the Near Cläven. The famines led to the improvement of the roads to Austria and Italy in order to facilitate and reduce the cost of transportation.[73]
Sources:
73: Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz