Republic of Yorktown
United Republic of Yorktown United Republic of Yorktown | |
|---|---|
 Flag | |
| Motto: "Wisdom, Justice, Moderation" | |
| Capital and largest city | Yorktown |
| Official languages | English French |
| Ethnic groups |
|
| Demonym(s) | Yorkish |
| Government | Constitutional republic |
| Blue | |
| Formation | |
• Founding of the Republic of Yorktown | 15 April 2022 |
• April Revolution | 24 April 2022 |
| Population | |
• Estimate | 500,000 |
| Currency | Yorkish Dollar |
The Republic of Yorktown was a country in the Atlas Sea, known for its outspoken liberal politics and its charismatic leadership. The nation was founded by President Blue BoxofKnots, who was its leader until the April Revolution, which replaced the republic with the short-lived United Socialist Republic of Yorktown.
History
The 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 This act was soon repealed.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.
While relations with absolutist powers such as the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom have remained cool, the Yorkish state soon had success reaching out to other liberal powers, such as Andorra, Cassland, and the Water Tribe. To avoid any entanglements in foreign war, the Neutrality Act was passed, forbidding Yorktown from trade or financial exchanges with warring nations.
Following a chaotic first election which saw members frequently change allegiance of parties, the Social Democrat majority that had ruled the country fell. This led to the April Revolution, where the Socialist party were able to capitalise on their electoral gains to quickly seize control of the democratic system and establish the United Socialist Republic of Yorktown. This event formally ended the existence of the Republic.
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 a 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 consisted of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. The executive was vested in the person of the President. The judiciary was vested in the Supreme Court of the United States. The constitution also stated 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 would 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. Following the President's decision to speak to Socialist party leaders rather than his Liberal coalition members, the Liberals soon collapsed and split evenly between the Socialists and Social Democrats, granting the Socialists a majority. This enabled them to pass a rapid legislative agenda, referred to as the April Revolution.
Economy
The economy of Yorktown focused on internal development, as the young nation strove to catch up with its older neighbours. The expenditure of the state was notably high in order to achieve this goal. As well as funding a new military, state funding was also diverted to infrastructure as part of the Infrastructure Act. The General Welfare Act 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 Act additionally required that the State 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 had to 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 was required to establish jobs for all citizens so that all can participate in the development, with the minimum wage to update regularly.
Trade was actively encouraged as the state opened itself up to the world, seeking materials and weapons to secure their new society. Trade with any warring nation, regardless of aggressor status, was prohibited by law, and there existed also an embargo on Ard-Ríocht Dhragain.
Culture
Yorkish culture at this time was often summarised by the president's popular adage "Conduct yourself well and you can consider us friends". This friendliness was often attributed to the popular belief in universal human rights, a relatively uncommon social norm in the global context. This belief led to a strongly communal society, where the material wellbeing of others was placed at a high value in law, and political disagreement was confined to debate over the scope of this support.
In recognition of this rare state of affairs, many citizens believed in "protecting the beacon of liberty" from outside threats and were highly willing to fight in defense of their way of life. Accordingly, there was a high number of civilians enlisted in military reserves, and the constitution permitted the ownership of firearms. Due to intervention in the Spirit War, this militaristic culture did not prevent the April Revolution.