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In [[1858]], the Kingdom of Oustec was suddenly invaded by [[Caphiria]] in reaction to a number of events relating to the unification of [[Burgundie]], with Caphirian forces entering the country on the morning of 18 March. Caphirian forces scored a number of early victories, putting in doubt the longterm viability of Oustec as an independent Kingdom. Burgundie launched a counterinvasion of the Kingdom later in the spring in order to prevent the remaining territory from falling entirely to Caphiria. Both Occidental countries made significant progress into the remaining territory of the Kingdom. Despite extant tensions with the royal government, Harounan forces fought alongside other Oustec regional troops throughout the early phase of the conflict, proving to be competent but unable to resist the overwhelming force presented by Caphiria and Burgundie. It became apparent by July that Oustec would not be able to maintain its independence for long, leading Akule Cornelio to seek alternative options. He met with local political and economic leaders who implored him to pursue independence and neutrality in the ongoing conflict. Cornelio recalled all Harounan-affiliated forces to the province on 28 July, obstensibly to protect against a claimed Burgoignesc attack. On 8 August, he issued a unilateral declaration of independence from Oustec, proclaiming himself King of the new Kingdom of Arona. When it became evident that neither Oustec nor the Occidentals would recognize Arona's independence, he sent a request to the government of [[Urcea]], who had forces relatively nearby in [[New Archduchy]]. [[Riordan VIII]] seized the opportunity to gain a foothold in [[Vallos]] and induced the [[Concilium Daoni]] to formally recognize the Kingdom of Arona on 11 August; forces in New Archduchy were subsequently deployed to Toucari to defend Arona's capital city. On 22 August, Urcea and Arona concluded a treaty recognizing the latter as a loose protectorate of the former. Despite the diplomatic efforts of Urcea, neither Caphiria nor Burgundie would recognize the new state and made no guarantee to steer clear of its territory. Fortunately for Arona, in September the Oustec forces abandoned most of its positions and instead fortified itself in the capital city of Oduria, requiring most Occidental forces to be positioned into a siege. Despite this, skirmishing between Harounan forces with Caphirian and Burgoignesc forces at the periphery continued throughout the war, skirmishing which started to include Urcean forces in mid-1859. The situation approached the possibility of a general war between the three powers before [[Kiravia]] mediated a peace agreement. Arona was eventually recognized as an independent protectorate of Urcea and Oustec was partitioned. King Akule I was recognized as sovereign lord of Arona. | In [[1858]], the Kingdom of Oustec was suddenly invaded by [[Caphiria]] in reaction to a number of events relating to the unification of [[Burgundie]], with Caphirian forces entering the country on the morning of 18 March. Caphirian forces scored a number of early victories, putting in doubt the longterm viability of Oustec as an independent Kingdom. Burgundie launched a counterinvasion of the Kingdom later in the spring in order to prevent the remaining territory from falling entirely to Caphiria. Both Occidental countries made significant progress into the remaining territory of the Kingdom. Despite extant tensions with the royal government, Harounan forces fought alongside other Oustec regional troops throughout the early phase of the conflict, proving to be competent but unable to resist the overwhelming force presented by Caphiria and Burgundie. It became apparent by July that Oustec would not be able to maintain its independence for long, leading Akule Cornelio to seek alternative options. He met with local political and economic leaders who implored him to pursue independence and neutrality in the ongoing conflict. Cornelio recalled all Harounan-affiliated forces to the province on 28 July, obstensibly to protect against a claimed Burgoignesc attack. On 8 August, he issued a unilateral declaration of independence from Oustec, proclaiming himself King of the new Kingdom of Arona. When it became evident that neither Oustec nor the Occidentals would recognize Arona's independence, he sent a request to the government of [[Urcea]], who had forces relatively nearby in [[New Archduchy]]. [[Riordan VIII]] seized the opportunity to gain a foothold in [[Vallos]] and induced the [[Concilium Daoni]] to formally recognize the Kingdom of Arona on 11 August; forces in New Archduchy were subsequently deployed to Toucari to defend Arona's capital city. On 22 August, Urcea and Arona concluded a treaty recognizing the latter as a loose protectorate of the former. Despite the diplomatic efforts of Urcea, neither Caphiria nor Burgundie would recognize the new state and made no guarantee to steer clear of its territory. Fortunately for Arona, in September the Oustec forces abandoned most of its positions and instead fortified itself in the capital city of Oduria, requiring most Occidental forces to be positioned into a siege. Despite this, skirmishing between Harounan forces with Caphirian and Burgoignesc forces at the periphery continued throughout the war, skirmishing which started to include Urcean forces in mid-1859. The situation approached the possibility of a general war between the three powers before [[Kiravia]] mediated a peace agreement. Arona was eventually recognized as an independent protectorate of Urcea and Oustec was partitioned. King Akule I was recognized as sovereign lord of Arona. | ||
Throughout the 1860s and 1870s, Akule spent significant time and effort trying to build the political and social institutions of a newly independent realm while trying to leverage Urcean economic development. In [[1860]], the [[Royal Navy (Urcea)|Royal Navy]] built its first permanent naval base in Toucari and organized the new | Throughout the 1860s and 1870s, Akule spent significant time and effort trying to build the political and social institutions of a newly independent realm while trying to leverage Urcean economic development. In [[1860]], the [[Royal Navy (Urcea)|Royal Navy]] built its first permanent naval base in Toucari and organized the new Brenedine Squadron to garrison the base. | ||
===First Great War=== | ===First Great War=== | ||
The rise of the [[Crown Regency]] in [[Urcea]] in [[1889]] sparked significant uncertainty in Arona. By the fourth decade of the protectorate's existence in the 1890s, Urcea's [[Royal Navy (Urcea)|Royal Navy]] was viewed abroad to be outdated, and this disparity was noted by the Aronese. on 4 March 1891, an armored cruiser of [[Burgundie]] made a refueling stop in Toucari. In port next to several Royal Navy vessels, the advanced Burgoignesc ship towered over the antiquated {{wp|broadside ironclad}}s, sparking significant unrest among the populace. The uncertainty came amidst a new man on the throne. King Akule I died and was succeeded by his son, King Akule II tried and failed to receive reassurances from [[Gréagóir FitzRex]] that more advanced warships would be deployed to reinforce the | The rise of the [[Crown Regency]] in [[Urcea]] in [[1889]] sparked significant uncertainty in Arona. By the fourth decade of the protectorate's existence in the 1890s, Urcea's [[Royal Navy (Urcea)|Royal Navy]] was viewed abroad to be outdated, and this disparity was noted by the Aronese. on 4 March 1891, an armored cruiser of [[Burgundie]] made a refueling stop in Toucari. In port next to several Royal Navy vessels, the advanced Burgoignesc ship towered over the antiquated {{wp|broadside ironclad}}s, sparking significant unrest among the populace. The uncertainty came amidst a new man on the throne. King Akule I died and was succeeded by his son, King Akule II tried and failed to receive reassurances from [[Gréagóir FitzRex]] that more advanced warships would be deployed to reinforce the Brenedine Squadron. Unknown to the populace, officials within the [[Concilium Purpaidá]] informed Akule in confidential messages that no more advanced warships were available. This news gave Akule great anxiety and inaugurated a period of domestic military buildup from [[1892]] through [[1895]]. The increasing military expenditure led many to question the necessity of the protectorate agreement. In [[1897]], forces loyal to [[House de Weluta]] launched the [['97 Rising]] in [[Urcea]]. The Brenedine Squadron and its commander declared neutrality in the conflict, professing loyalty "to Urcea independent of its regent or ruler." Until the restoration in [[1902]], the Brenedine Squadron became the de facto navy of Arona. | ||
Arona's position of separation from Urcea put it in an extremely precarious position with the beginning of the [[First Great War]]. Protected only by its small army and the outdated | Arona's position of separation from Urcea put it in an extremely precarious position with the beginning of the [[First Great War]]. Protected only by its small army and the outdated Brenedine Squadron and bordered by [[Caphiria]] and [[Burgundie]], it appeared likely that either or both would take advantage of Urcea's weakness and invade the small Kingdom. Fortunately for Arona, [[Burgundie]] announced its recognition of the claims of [[Patrick III of Urcea|Patrick III]] and [[Caphiria]] that of the authority of the regent FitzRex. As both of these nations feared weakening the authority of their chosen faction within Urcea by seizing one of the nation's overseas territories, both respected the neutrality of Arona and Urcea's nominal claims of protection. Regardless, from [[1897]] through [[1902]], the protectorate was largely defunct, but Urcean influence remained with the presence of the Brenedine Squadron. | ||
===Protectorate restored=== | ===Protectorate restored=== | ||
With the restoration of [[Patrick III of Urcea|Patrick III]] as [[Apostolic King of Urcea]] in [[1902]], the new regime sought to restore some ties and repair others abroad. Urcea's western possessions were in a state of disarray; [[New Archduchy]] had declared independence, Arona was left virtually on its own, and [[New Harren]] had experienced significant trouble. Patrick III recognized New Archduchy's independence and set to work immediately restoring conditions in Urcea's other two possessions. Employing the same armored cruiser that arrived in [[1891]], now purchased from [[Burgundie]] and sailing for the Royal Navy as ''HMCMS Wonder'', a new flotilla arrived in Toucari on 2 January [[1903]] to relieve the | With the restoration of [[Patrick III of Urcea|Patrick III]] as [[Apostolic King of Urcea]] in [[1902]], the new regime sought to restore some ties and repair others abroad. Urcea's western possessions were in a state of disarray; [[New Archduchy]] had declared independence, Arona was left virtually on its own, and [[New Harren]] had experienced significant trouble. Patrick III recognized New Archduchy's independence and set to work immediately restoring conditions in Urcea's other two possessions. Employing the same armored cruiser that arrived in [[1891]], now purchased from [[Burgundie]] and sailing for the Royal Navy as ''HMCMS Wonder'', a new flotilla arrived in Toucari on 2 January [[1903]] to relieve the Brenedine Squadron. The symbolic arrival of a modern steel warship under Urcean colors symbolically heralded the return of the protectorate. Although it had never formally lapsed, Urcea had been viewed as failing in its responsibilities to protect Arona in the 1890s, and the display reassured both King Akule and the populace of Urcea's ability to protect the Kingdom. | ||
With military protection restored, Urcean investment and new economic interests began to flow into the Kingdom in [[1907]]. From the time of the restoration until [[1920]], Arona grew dramatically. An economic revolution occurred functionally overnight with the construction of Arona's first four factories, transforming the largely agrarian realm into an industrializing one. Prudently, the [[Government of Urcea]] decided to retain a light hand on its Vallosi protectorate, relying largely on economic and military incentives to keep it loyal to Urcea. This program had its effect, but the sudden economic transformation inaugurated a social transformation that King Akule was unable to properly grapple with. By his death in [[1917]], he was deeply unpopular, particularly due to his failure to pursue social policies to alleviate the hardships endured by the decade-old industrial working class. | With military protection restored, Urcean investment and new economic interests began to flow into the Kingdom in [[1907]]. From the time of the restoration until [[1920]], Arona grew dramatically. An economic revolution occurred functionally overnight with the construction of Arona's first four factories, transforming the largely agrarian realm into an industrializing one. Prudently, the [[Government of Urcea]] decided to retain a light hand on its Vallosi protectorate, relying largely on economic and military incentives to keep it loyal to Urcea. This program had its effect, but the sudden economic transformation inaugurated a social transformation that King Akule was unable to properly grapple with. By his death in [[1917]], he was deeply unpopular, particularly due to his failure to pursue social policies to alleviate the hardships endured by the decade-old industrial working class. | ||
===Republic established=== | ===Republic established=== | ||
Akule II was succeeded by King Elsu I Phillip. The new King's reign began promisingly as a program to benefit the family of miners who had died at work was proposed by the King, but financial difficulties with the program as well as opposition by his ministers scuttled the proposal. On 4 September [[1920]], Elsu attempted to purge his cabinet and install his own men, but half of the ministers refused to accept his authority, leading to most of the government buildings in Toucari being locked down in a state of semi-coup. The King attempted to induce the | Akule II was succeeded by King Elsu I Phillip. The new King's reign began promisingly as a program to benefit the family of miners who had died at work was proposed by the King, but financial difficulties with the program as well as opposition by his ministers scuttled the proposal. On 4 September [[1920]], Elsu attempted to purge his cabinet and install his own men, but half of the ministers refused to accept his authority, leading to most of the government buildings in Toucari being locked down in a state of semi-coup. The King attempted to induce the Brenedine Squadron to intervene on his behalf; although a detachment of marines secured the port area, they would not take direct action in the dispute. Elsu next tried to rally the people to his side, but his calls for a mass demonstration mostly brought out opponents of both the ministry and monarchy. The initially small lukewarm crowds of royalists were soon supplanted by mass demonstrations against both factions of the government, and by 10 September the King had completely lost control of Toucari. Elsu fled to the safety of the Brenedine Squadron and was subsequently induced to sign a document of abdication. Due to his opposition to the current ministry, the King's document unusually authorized the commanding [[Ranks in the Urcean Armed Forces#Field.2C%20Flag%20and%20Staff%20Officers|Návarce]] of the Brenedine Squadron to choose his successor before moving into exile in [[Urcea]], becoming one of the first of the so-called [[The Dispossessed|Dispossessed]]. The Návarce wired [[Urceopolis (City)|Urceopolis]] for instructions, and was subsequently told to open negotiations with the demonstrators. Under the leadership of the civil administrator of Toucari, a provisional government was formed until such time that a constitution could be adopted. Having legal authority from the abdication to transfer Aronese sovereignty from one monarch to another, the Návarce agreed to recognize the provisional government as the successor of King Elsu I. Accordingly, on 12 September, the administrator - Guy Enyeto - became Provisional President of Arona. Elections for a constitutional convention were held on 15 October and the convention met for the first time on 1 November 1920. | ||
The constitutional convention lasted for two months and established a republican government [[Julian republic|similar in form]] to that of [[Urcea]]'s without a monarch. It was the first of what are now called "[[Julian republic]]s". The new constitution was inaugurated on 4 February 1921 with Enyeto continuing to serve as Provisional President until a election held that November. On 14 March 1921, following a month of sometimes heated debate, the new government of Arona confirmed the nation's existing treaty of protection with Urcea. | The constitutional convention lasted for two months and established a republican government [[Julian republic|similar in form]] to that of [[Urcea]]'s without a monarch. It was the first of what are now called "[[Julian republic]]s". The new constitution was inaugurated on 4 February 1921 with Enyeto continuing to serve as Provisional President until a election held that November. On 14 March 1921, following a month of sometimes heated debate, the new government of Arona confirmed the nation's existing treaty of protection with Urcea. | ||