Duchy of Yorktown
Fire Nation Duchy of Yorktown Duchy of Yorktown | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation" | |
| Capital and largest city | Yorktown |
| Official languages | English French |
| Ethnic groups |
|
| Demonym(s) | Yorkish |
| Government | Duchy |
• Duke | Jack Blue-Reed |
| Formation | |
• Signing of the of Yorktown Articles of Vassalization | 25 April 2022 |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 7,250,000 |
| Currency | Yorktown Dollar |
The Duchy of Yorktown is a country in the Atlas Sea, known for its rapid political change, charismatic leadership, and the Palais d'Elysee, along with its well trained if small Army, notably its cavalry and also known for its large Navy.
History
The former Republic was officially founded on the 15th of April 2022 when Blue made landfall, having defected from the Free Territory. Borders and a constitution were soon established. Yorkish government soon embraced liberal political philosophy and espoused human rights, passing the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen Act. This act deemed the violation of human rights anywhere on the plane to be a "personal threat to the United States", which quickly drew the ire of many absolutist powers. Most important of these was the Fire Nation, which soon issued a condemnation, stating "One state does not have the right to unilaterally decide international laws that other independent nations must respect." This act was soon repealed. Additionally, Yorktown stated it would guarantee the independence of all its neighbours, including the Fire Nation and Even Newer Mexico as distinct. While the effect of sponsoring ENM's secession was not intended, the miscommunication further deteriorated relations, and tensions remained following clarification. The Act was later repealed at the urging of the Fire Nation, and an apology discreetly issued.
While relations with absolutist powers such as the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom had remained cool, the Yorkish Republic state soon had success reaching out to liberal powers, such as Andorra, Cassland, and the Water Tribe. However, upon the Vassalization Accords, the Yorkish Duchy grew signifigantly closer to the Fire Nation, but has yet to abandon its friends in the Water Tribe, Cassland, and Andorra, seeing them as friends.
Geography
The republic is divided into 4 landmasses - an eastern island, a western island, and the mainland which is divided between east and west by the Lorena River. In the centre of this river lies the capital of Yorktown. Outside Yorktown is Fort Sherman, host of the Yorkish Army. Yorktown borders two states by land: Even Newer Mexico and Arboris. By sea, the Fire Nation, Cassland, Atlas, and the Spirit Wilds are easily accessible.
Government and politics
The Yorkish state was a constitutional republic, which defined the government as divided into a legislative, an executive, and a judiciary. The legislative consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The executive is vested in the person of the President. The judiciary is vested in the Supreme Court of the United States. The constitution also states a number of amendments, establishing aspects of civic society such as the prohibition of slavery, the right to vote, and the right to a fair trial.
At the foundation of the state, there were five major political parties in Yorktown: the Whigs, the Federalists, the Liberals, the Social Democrats, and the Socialists. The Social Democrats lead a stability coalition with the Liberals, occasionally cooperating with the Socialists. The opposition was led by the Federalists and Whigs, who were more isolationist and conservative. The Whigs initially opposed the democratic system, and thus the Federalists lead the coalition.
The first election after independence took place on 22nd April 2022, which saw the Social Democrats lose their majority and the Whigs to disband. This later led to the April Revolution, where a Socialist Republic was quickly created and just as quickly collapsed, as the Book of Fire led to a sweeping religious awakening in the population, which led to the then President Jack Blue-Reed to proclaim loyalty to the Fire Nation, and an establishment of the Duchy of Yorktown on the 25th of April 2022. The Duchy now functions as an arm of the Fire Nation, adopting much of its fuedal political structure, but also maintaining some of the democratic meausres of the now fallen Republic. The Duchy has submitted itself to Fire Nation vassalization, and has placed itself as the arm of the Fire Nation in the northern Atlas Sea or Eldhavet. The House and Senate were maintained, but lost much of their political power, as most authority was suddenly vested in the Duke. The Courts were maintained as well, but judgement duty was changed to be subject to the will of the Duke or the Firelord of the Fire Nation. Many of the amendments remained unchanged, and slavery still abolished, but more political power was vested into the Duke and Fire Nation authorities. With the passing of the Democratization Act, much political power was returned to the democratic elements of the Yorkish State, with even the Duke of Yorktown being chosen by elections. Much of the fire Nation's authority was withdrawn and placed as a more ceremonial role of the Duke.
Economy
The economy of Yorktown currently focuses on internal development, as the young nation strives to catch up with its older neighbours. The expenditure of the state is notably high in order to achieve this goal. As well as funding a new military, state funding has also been diverted to infrastructure to expand the nation and connect itself. The General Welfare Decree introduced a new universal basic income of 10 iron ingots, 15 loaves of bread, 15 bunches of wheat, 10 potatoes, 15 issues of sugar, 12 sticks, and 25 pieces of wood planks for all citizens. The Public Housing and Land Reform Decree additionally required that the Duchy must provide all citizens with the option of either receiving a 20x20 plot and 64 plank blocks, or receiving an apartment in a public housing block. Public housing must be minimum 6x3 in area, and possess a bed, method of heating and cooking, a method of storage (which must be provided with a set of stone tools including a shovel, pick, and axe) and a source of natural light without compromising the integrity or shelter of the building. Furthermore, the State is required to establish jobs for all citizens so that all can participate in the development, with the minimum wage to update regularly.
Trade is actively encouraged as the state opens itself up to the world, seeking materials and weapons to secure the new society.
Demographics
The Yorkish population consists largely of firebenders, but is open to all foreigners and religions by law. There has been, so far, minimal emigration following the establishment of the state. The majority language of Yorkish is English, however matters of state are conducted in French.
Culture
Yorkish culture is often summarised by the former president's popular adage "Conduct yourself well and you can consider us friends". This friendliness is often attributed to the popular belief in universal human rights, a relatively uncommon social norm in the global context. This belief has led to a strongly communal society, where the material wellbeing of others is placed at a high value in law, and political disagreement is confined to debate over the scope of this support.
In recognition of this rare state of affairs, many citizens believe in "protecting the beacon of liberty" from outside threats and are highly willing to fight in defense of their way of life. Accordingly, there is a high number of civilians enlisted in military reserves, and the constitution permits the ownership of firearms. This belief continued through the various political forms of the nation, where the Duchy has found itself believing to still be a beacon of liberty, despite its new state of affairs, and a model vassal following the will of the All-Father and the Creator.
Yorkish cuisine is known for an unusual dish known as "apple pie", a sweet treat of pastry and yellow fruit. Additionally, the people of Yorktown are known to have a great fondness for products made of coffee and sugar, with many considering the combination of the two essential for daily function.