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	100% Yorkish
Demonym(s)	Yorkish
Government	Duchy
• Duke	Jack Blue-Reed
Formation
• Founding of the Republic of Yorktown	15 April 2022
Population
• Estimate	1,250,000
Currency	Yorkish Dollar

The Republic of Yorktown is 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 remains its leader. It is renowned for its Palais des Élysées and heavy cavalry forces.

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 This act was soon repealed.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.

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 is a constitutional republic, which defines 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.

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 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 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. Trade with any warring nation, regardless of aggressor status, is prohibited by law, and there exists also an embargo on Ard-Ríocht Dhragain.

Demographics

The Yorkish population consists largely of waterbenders, 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 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.

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.

See also

• List of states
• Eldhavet
• Waterbending