Duchy of Bourgondi

The Duchy of Bourgondi emerged as a significant political entity in the aftermath of the Great Confessional War. A Catholic Count, Henri-Raoul Duval Marialianus, who had led a very successful campaign to dispossess the Protest nobles of the Vialurustre Conference of their lands on the Ile Burgundie was ennobled as the Duke of the newly formed Duchy, from lands and titles of displaced Protestants on the Ile Burgundie. Established in 1575, this Catholic duchy faced the challenge of consolidating its power, solidifying its legitimacy, and positioning itself as a prominent force within the Holy Levantine Empire, but through the efforts of its dukes, especially the Marius family, they transitioned the Duchy into the Great Principality that Burgundie is today.

The post-war period of the Duchy of Bourgondi established the duchy's trajectory, moving it from the scars of war toward stability, a cultural renaissance, and economic prosperity. The acquisition of vast territories and titles previously held by displaced Protestants presented both opportunities and challenges to the new dukes. They had to carefully manage the integration of these lands into a centralized governance structure, which proved difficult because the lands previously held by the Vilauristre Conference were used to a much more hands-off approach to rule and a more democratic system of government. Reconstructing war-torn regions required a comprehensive effort to rebuild infrastructure and revitalize local economies, especially with communities the armies of Henri I, the first Duke of Bourgondi, had ravaged. The restoration of roads, bridges, and buildings was not only a physical endeavor but also a symbolic act of power and legitimacy for the ducal family. Creating a robust administrative framework was pivotal for effective governance. Bureaucratic institutions and local governance bodies were established to ensure the efficient management of the duchy. The introduction of a standardized taxation system aimed at funding reconstruction underscored the pragmatic approach to stability. The emphasis on Catholic orthodoxy was a strategic move to legitimize Bourgondi's rule. By promoting Catholicism, the duchy sought to establish a distinct cultural identity and distance itself from the Protestant territories it had acquired. Religious institutions became instrumental in shaping the moral and cultural fabric of the duchy. After the successful establishment of a colonial empire, Bourgondi's patronage of the arts, support for scholars, and emphasis on cultural revival marked a period of cultural renaissance. This investment in intellectual and artistic pursuits, especially during the, contributed to a renewed sense of identity and pride among its people. Diplomatic maneuvering was crucial to secure recognition of post-war territorial acquisitions. Delicate negotiations with other newly formed neighboring duchies and counties like the Duchy of Martilles, the County Palatine of Pumbria, and the County of Le Ax-Canbon, aimed at fostering alliances and safeguarding newfound stability within the Holy Levantine Empire. The focus on economic recovery involved stimulating trade, incentivizing agricultural production, and encouraging commercial activities. Bourgondi's economic revival during this period laid the groundwork for its later affluence and successful colonial expansion.

Military
Small but professional army with a strong militia system and culture. The colonial charters had a stipulation that in the event of a mainland invasion they would be required to send 2% of adult males to the Ile Burgundie to fight off the invasion, this is essentially the origin of the Burgoignesc Foreign Legion concept.

Government
Bourgondi was governed by an aristocracy, with the Duke serving as the hereditary head of the duchy, supported by a council of nobles and temporal and ecclesiastical advisors. The political framework was marked by a hierarchical structure that emphasized the authority and influence of the ruling elite, contributing to a centralized system of governance that prioritized the preservation of aristocratic traditions and values. This was especially important in the early days of the duchy to establish and maintain the legitimacy of the House of Marialianus.

Bourgondi's political traditions were strongly influenced by the who became the leading order in the duchy. The duchy was therefore known for its consistent and proficient pursuit of economic prosperity, increasing legitimacy, and the expansion of its colonial enterprise. The duchy's political framework prioritized the cultivation of robust trade networks, the establishment of thriving colonies, and the promotion of economic growth and development within its Levantine territories. This emphasis on economic prosperity and colonial expansion fostered a culture of entrepreneurialism, innovation, and commercial enterprise building on the that propelled Bourgondi to the forefront of global trade and commerce during its heyday. There was also a real politik that many of Dukes engaged in within the Holy Levantine Empire. The Duchy was always meddling in the affairs of other states of the Empire to try to gain an advantage for itself.

House of Marialianus

 * Henri I-Raoul Duval Marialianus (1575-1602)
 * Philippe I-Hubert Lambert Marialianus (1602-1630)
 * Fransois I-Vincent Couvreur Marialianus (1630-1665)
 * Louis I-Lucian Montiel Marialianus (1665-1698)
 * Charles I-Gaspard Courbet Marialianus (1698-1732)
 * Henri II-Philippe Viandille Marialianus (1732-1761)
 * Fransois II-Charles Estes Marialianus (1761-1795)

House of Marius

 * Pau I-Dantoine Marialianus Marius (1795-1823)
 * Pau II-Astergale Rembraund Marius (1823-1853)

Bourgondii-Loa Wars
The Bourgondii-Loa Wars were a series of conflicts and trade wars between the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company's colony of Equatorial Ostiecia and the Loa Empire from ~1700-1875. It is considering part of the wider Kiro-Burgoignesc Wars because the Loa Empire was a client state of Kiravia at the time and the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company was using the Loa to aggravate Kiravia. Unlike many other colonial ventures, the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company did not seek to settle in the territory of the Loa Empire but merely to control its international exports outside of the tribute required of Kiravia, to Levantia and Sarpedon. Semi-permanent Bergendii establishments only included, trade posts, and customs houses, but there were no settlement expansions beyond these.

Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment dawned upon Bourgondi as a beacon of intellectual progress, ushering in a transformative era that rippled through the duchy's economy, social fabric, and political structure. Enlightened ideas of reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry permeated the realms of governance, culture, and commerce. Enlightenment ideals spurred advancements in Bourgondi's economy, challenging traditional economic structures. The duchy witnessed a surge in trade and commerce as enlightened principles of  gained traction. Entrepreneurs embraced rational economic theories, leading to the establishment of banking systems and financial institutions that fostered economic growth, and by extension. Notable examples included the creation of the Bourgondii Economic Society, a forum where enlightened economic thinkers convened to discuss and implement progressive economic policies. The Enlightenment catalyzed a profound transformation in Bourgondi's social fabric, as well. The emphasis on reason and individual rights prompted a reevaluation of societal norms. Enlightenment thinkers advocated for social equality and the eradication of feudal privileges. As a result, the duchy saw the gradual dismantling of archaic class structures, with enlightened rulers implementing policies to ensure greater social mobility. One notable example was the edict issued by Duke Charles I, granting religious and civil liberties to all citizens, irrespective of their social standing. Enlightenment principles seeped into the political landscape of Bourgondi, inspiring a restructuring of governance systems. The dukes, influenced by the ideas of and, sought to establish more representative and accountable forms of government. The establishment of the Estates-General in 1748 marked a significant step towards political inclusivity, allowing representatives from different social classes to participate in decision-making processes. The Enlightenment-inspired constitutional reforms, introduced during the reign of Duke Fransois II, aimed to limit the power of the monarchy and establish a system of checks and balances. Bourgondi became a hub of intellectual and cultural flourishing during the. Enlightened thinkers and philosophers, such as ix and ix, found refuge in Bourgondi, contributing to the creation of intellectual salons and academies. The establishment of the Bourgondii Academy of Sciences and Letters became a testament to the duchy's commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. These institutions became breeding grounds for innovative ideas, fostering advancements in science, literature, and the arts. Enlightenment ideals also prompted a reformation of Bourgondi's education system. The duchy invested in creating a network of schools and universities that emphasized critical thinking, science, and the humanities. The University of Marialia, founded in 1756, became a bastion of Enlightenment education, attracting scholars and students from across Levantia. The curriculum prioritized rational inquiry, paving the way for a generation of enlightened thinkers. The Bourgondii Royal Observatory, established in 1762, became a center for astronomical research and a symbol of the duchy's commitment to scientific progress and became an important resource for the fleets, both mercantile and naval, that the Duchy operated.

Industrial Revolution
Bourgondi's embrace of the Industrial Revolution, 1826-1853, marked a profound shift in its economic, social, and political dynamics, propelling the duchy into a new era of development. The rapid urbanization spurred by industrialization saw a considerable influx of people from rural areas into Bourgondi's industrial cities. Riots broke out against les æleigens (Eng. the aliens) in the 1840s which saw widespread support at first, but as business owners began to see the rate of absenteeism rise in the new working class, the government interceded on the owner's behalf and stationed the Elite Gendarmes of the Royal Guard in working class neighborhoods to protect them. Since then, the royal government has enjoyed a fairly positive relationship with the working class. This demographic shift brought about changes in societal dynamics, altering traditional lifestyles and establishing a new relationship between employers and the emerging working class. The Industrial Revolution expanded Bourgondi's global trade and commerce. The duchy's manufactured goods became sought-after commodities, contributing to increased wealth. Modernization efforts, particularly in ports and transportation networks, facilitated the efficient movement of goods, fostering stronger connections to international markets. Bourgondi enthusiastically embraced technological advancements during this time period. Innovations in machinery, transportation, and communication not only enhanced efficiency but also positioned the duchy at the forefront of technological innovation. Despite the economic growth associated with the Industrial Revolution, it also brought about social stratification and labor issues. The working class faced challenging conditions in factories, prompting the emergence of labor movements advocating for improved wages and working conditions. The economic shifts induced by industrialization prompted political reforms in Bourgondi. Emerging economic elites from industrial sectors advocated for political representation and reforms, challenging the duchy to adapt its governance structures to accommodate the evolving dynamics of industrial society.

A rapid period of urbanization and industrialization brought many new resources cheaply into the grasp of the common Bougondii. This economic choice and freedom was a spark that soon turned into a roaring inferno. The desire for these new goods led to the building of a state operated merchant marine independent of the Bourgondii Royal Trading Company. Great Prince Pau II, sought relations with centers of foreign capital and they bankrolled many of the upgrades to the shipyards and markets. The Fanerians and Urceans encouraged loans for companies that favored industrialized processes over craft production. This saw larger chantiers eclipsing smaller ateliers and forever changing the economy on the Ile Burgundie. Whereas before the economy of Bourgondi was a rats nest of related by independent workshops and guilds run by master craftsmen all coming together project by project, the foreign investment forced a movement to massive companies with "in-house" processes and a large unskilled mechanized workforce, much like the latifundia system used on the mainland for agriculture.

The People's Spring of 1848
As whispers of revolution echoed across Levantia, Bourgondi found itself amidst the tumult of change. The population, grappling with issues of representation and economic inequality, raised calls for constitutional reforms and expanded political participation. The demands crescendoed in the spring of 1848, with the people taking to the streets to seek an end to absolute monarchy. In response, Duke Pau II, sensing the shifting winds, introduced a new constitutional charter in March 1848. While it laid the groundwork for a constitutional monarchy, the reforms were initially modest, with representative institutions and fundamental rights introduced only nominally. The People's Spring prompted many academic discussions around economic reforms to address longstanding grievances. The industrial working class, inspired by socialist ideals, advocated for improved conditions, fair wages, and wealth distribution. Duke Pau II acknowledged the need for economic changes and implemented measures to enhance labor conditions. Initiatives such as the establishment of labor unions and legislation for workplace safety were introduced, yet these reforms remained limited. The rise of cooperative movements among workers aimed at collective enterprise ownership signaled a desire for economic empowerment, but substantial changes were slow to materialize.

First Fratricide
In 1849, Bourgondi and the County Palatine of Estia initiated what would become the First Fratricide, when Bourgondi invaded Estia to quell a workers strike and revolution that was threatening to overthrow the Count Palatine.

Dissolution of the Duchy
In 1853, Duke Pau II ascended the throne of the Principality of Faramount and joined the two nation-states in a, the Burgundie-Faramount Union, at which point the Duchy of Bourgondi ceased to exist.

Colonial ventures
The Bourgondii Royal Trading Company established 7 major colonies on behalf of the Duchy of Bourgondi, the largest and most influential being Equatorial Ostiecia: