Expulsion of the Protestants
| Expulsion of the Protestants | |
|---|---|
| Part of Great Confessional War | |
| Location | Holy Levantine Empire |
| Date | 1575-1588 |
| Target | Levantine Protestants |
Attack type | Forced displacement, Dragonnades |
| Deaths | unknown |
| Victims | 493,000 |
| Perpetrators | Holy League |
The Expulsion of the Protestants, called The Exodus by the Protestants, was a tragic event in the history of the southern Levantia, marking the culmination of the Great Confessional War between the Protestant Union and the Holy League. The conflict, rooted in religious and political tensions, culminated in the signing of the unconditional surrender of the Protestant Union in the Treaty of TBD on August 10th, 1575. With the ratification of the treaty by the allied lords of the Holy League, a devastating clause was enacted, designating all Protestants as outlaws and stripping them of their rights to any form of property, be it land, titles, or other possessions. In the wake of this declaration, a series of draconian policies were implemented, the Dragonnades. These measures were designed to compel Protestant lords, nobles, merchants, and peasants to either embrace Catholicism or face expulsion from the lands they called home.
Over the course of Great Confessional War and the thirteen harrowing years of Dragonnades that followed, the once-flourishing Protestant community, which had boasted tens of millions of adherents as recently as 1551, was systematically decimated. Despite valiant efforts to resist conversion or forced migration, only a fraction of their number, a mere 530,000 individuals, managed to survive or evade coerced religious conversion by 1575, and 493,000 of those had been "transported" by the time the expulsion policy reached its conclusion in 1588.
Forced from their ancestral lands and stripped of their cultural and religious heritage, these 493,000 defiant souls were compelled to embark on a perilous journey through the coastal cities of the Kingdom of Dericania, there they were forced into indentured servitude to various trade companies who took advantage of their forced expulsion to become settler stock for colonial ventures overseas, called Pharisedoms, colonies made up entirely of expelled Protestants. It was under these conditions that they embarked on an unprecedented and arduous exodus that would ultimately lead them to new lands and opportunities far beyond the borders of their homelands.
The exiled Levantine Protestants, now transformed into a determined and resilient group of pioneers, settlers, and administrators, would go on to lay the foundations of the formidable Burgoignesc colonial empire. Their indomitable spirit, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to their beliefs would prove instrumental in the establishment and expansion of this vast dominion, leaving an indelible mark on the history and development of the region. Despite the tragic circumstances that precipitated their expulsion, their legacy would endure as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit in the face of profound adversity.
Background
During the Renaissance period, the widespread use of mercenary armies often resulted in a significant challenge for rulers and lords when conflicts subsided and funds for their continued employment dwindled. In the absence of ongoing warfare, these soldiers, left without consistent pay or employment, were prone to resorting to lawlessness and pillaging, causing chaos and devastation in the countryside. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "soldiers' rampage," was a significant concern for the stability and security of territories across Levantia. The Dragonnades, emerging as a response to this precarious situation, were a calculated and manipulative method employed by the lords of the Holy League to redirect the energy of these restless soldiers towards a specific target—the Protestant communities. By exploiting the volatile nature of these troops, the lords sought to both harness their combative fervor and exert dominance over religious dissidents, thereby serving their own political and religious agendas.
The practice of the Dragonnades involved the deliberate deployment of these unruly soldiers, often with the promise of rewards or incentives, to target and terrorize the Protestant populations in the region. Under the guidance and direction of the ruling lords, the mercenaries were encouraged to indulge in acts of brutality, intimidation, and coercion, all with the explicit aim of forcing the Protestants to either convert to Catholicism or face dire consequences. This strategic manipulation of the soldiers' energy not only allowed the ruling powers to maintain a degree of control over their military forces but also served as a means to suppress and subjugate religious dissent within their territories. By channeling the soldiers' propensity for violence and plunder, the lords of the Holy League were able to exploit the vulnerabilities of the Protestant communities, inflicting widespread fear and suffering while simultaneously consolidating their own power and influence.
Dragonnades
The 13-year Dragonnades, was used as a tool to coerce Protestants into either conversion or forced displacement, was a ruthless and systematic operation that left an indelible mark on the Protestants who were eventually expelled from Levantia. Originating in the heart of the Holy League's territories, the campaign was characterized by a series of merciless and calculated tactics aimed at pressuring Protestants to abandon their beliefs and conform to the Catholic faith. Commencing shortly after the conclusion of the Great Confessional War, the Dragonnades unfolded as a carefully orchestrated strategy, initially deployed in specific regions known to be strongholds of Protestant influence. The term "dragonnade" itself was borrowed from the historical practice of billeting soldiers, specifically dragoons, wherein troops were quartered in civilian homes, often leading to abuse, coercion, and intimidation. In this context, the Dragonnades saw the deliberate deployment of specially selected Catholic military units into Protestant enclaves. These troops, under the explicit directives of the lords of the Holy League, were instructed to employ a combination of intimidation, violence, and subjugation to achieve the desired outcomes. Coordinated with the local clergy, the soldiers were given the authority to employ a wide array of oppressive measures to compel the Protestant population to either renounce their faith or face dire consequences. The Catholic troops engaged in a campaign of psychological warfare, instilling fear and a sense of hopelessness among the Protestant communities. They employed various forms of psychological manipulation, including threats, harassment, and public displays of force, to create an atmosphere of terror and uncertainty. Protestant citizens were subjected to forced religious ceremonies, often conducted under duress and in the presence of armed soldiers. These coercive rituals were intended to symbolize the subjugation of the Protestant faith and to instigate a sense of helplessness and despair among the targeted population. As a means of further compelling compliance, the campaign included the systematic confiscation of property, assets, and livelihoods belonging to those who refused to convert. This tactic aimed to cripple the economic and social foundations of the Protestant communities, leaving them destitute and vulnerable. Those who steadfastly resisted the pressures to convert were subjected to physical violence, persecution, and in some cases, imprisonment or death. The campaign saw a rise in public executions, arbitrary arrests, and other forms of state-sanctioned violence, designed to crush any dissent and resistance to the imposed religious orthodoxy.
Land Redistribution
Following the Treaty of TBD on August 10th, 1575 the lands and titles that were once held by the Protestant nobles underwent a comprehensive process of redistribution, orchestrated by the ruling powers of the Holy League and the Catholic Church. This redistribution was characterized by an transfer of property and privileges from the disenfranchised Protestant nobility to select individuals within the Catholic community, including distant relatives of existing Catholic nobles, cadet branches of powerful houses, as well as affluent merchants and farmers sympathetic to the Catholic cause. It is worth noting that there were significant holdings also retained for the Catholic Church, Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, Abbacies, and Monasteries abounded in the late 16th and early 17th century in a way that they had not since the Middle Ages.
Distant relatives of existing Catholic nobles, often strategically positioned to benefit from the downfall of their Protestant counterparts, were prime beneficiaries of the redistribution. By leveraging their familial connections and affiliations, these individuals were able to secure substantial portions of the confiscated properties and titles, thereby augmenting their own standing and influence within the hierarchical structure of the Catholic nobility. Cadet branches of powerful houses, eager to bolster their own prestige and wealth, also capitalized on the opportunity presented by the redistribution. By aligning themselves with the Catholic authorities and demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the established religious and political orthodoxy, these cadet branches were able to secure substantial land grants and titles, further solidifying their position within the ruling elite. Additionally, wealthy merchants and farmers who had demonstrated their allegiance to the Catholic cause were often rewarded with the acquisition of former Protestant estates and titles. By actively supporting and financing the endeavors of the Catholic authorities, these individuals were able to leverage their economic resources and social influence to gain access to the lucrative assets and privileges that had been stripped from the Protestant nobility.
The Catholic Church emerged as a key beneficiary of the wealth and resources that were seized from the Protestant nobility. Leveraging its influence and authority, the Church orchestrated a strategic campaign to acquire significant portions of the confiscated lands, thereby consolidating its economic power and solidifying its influence within the social and political landscape of the region. Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, Abbacies, and Monasteries abounded in the late 16th and early 17th century in a way that they had not since the Middle Ages. The Catholic Church strategically positioned itself to acquire some of the most valuable and fertile lands that were previously held by the Protestant nobility. Leveraging its considerable influence over the ruling powers, the Church effectively secured the transfer of these coveted assets, thereby augmenting its already substantial economic holdings and further enhancing its status as a dominant and influential institution within the region. The acquisition of prime land by the Catholic Church not only contributed to its growing wealth and financial resources but also solidified its influence over the lives of the local populace. With control over vast agricultural estates, the Church re-established itself as a major landowner, exerting significant control over the production and distribution of essential resources such as food and other agricultural products. This economic dominance further bolstered the Church's influence over the social and political affairs of southern Levantia, allowing it to wield considerable power and leverage over the lives of the people. The substantial wealth amassed by the Catholic Church through its strategic land acquisitions and economic endeavors played a pivotal role in sustaining its influence and power over the centuries. With vast financial resources at its disposal, the Church was able to invest in various endeavors, including the patronage of the arts, the establishment of educational institutions, and the support of charitable initiatives, all of which further cemented its position as a formidable and influential force within the societal and cultural fabric of the Occidens. This accumulated wealth and influence have had a lasting impact on the contemporary strength and influence of the Catholic Church, contributing to its enduring legacy as a prominent and influential institution that continues to play a significant role in the lives of millions of people worldwide, despite periods of aggressive mediatization in the 19th century. The historical precedent set by the strategic redistribution of land and resources has laid the foundation for the Church's ongoing relevance and influence, underscoring its enduring capacity to shape and impact the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the modern world.
Early diaspora
In the wake of the disposition of their ancestral lands, a dire humanitarian crisis unfolded as the Protestants were initially relegated to makeshift refugee camps on the outskirts of the cities in the Duchies of Marialanus, Martilles, and Bourgondi. These camps, ill-equipped to handle the massive influx of people, soon became overwhelmed, leading to appalling living conditions and a severe lack of basic amenities. The struggling Protestant refugees faced unimaginable hardships as they grappled with the challenges of displacement, destitution, and social marginalization. Amidst the chaos and desperation of the refugee camps, a new opportunity arose as the tensions surrounding the Truffle Races between the Duchies of Marialanus, Martilles, and Bourgondi and the Third Imperium of Caphiria reached a fever pitch. The power dynamics at play in the region were undergoing a significant shift, as the Catholic Dukes recognized the potential strategic advantage of harnessing the skills, labor, and expertise of the expelled Protestants for their own colonial ambitions.
Capitalizing on the influx of the exiled Protestant population, the Catholic Dukes began to organize and assemble Protestant crews to spearhead their nascent colonial expeditions. Recognizing the valuable contributions that the Protestants could offer, the Dukes initiated the formation of specialized trading companies comprising skilled laborers, craftsmen, and administrators, drawing upon the resourcefulness and resilience of the displaced populace to advance their own colonial ambitions in far-flung territories. The Barbary Straits colony, Istroya Oriental colony, Equatorial Ostiecia colony, and Cote d'Or emerged as key focal points for the coastal duchies, as they sought to establish a robust presence and consolidate their influence in these strategic overseas territories.
Pharisedoms and the Burgoignesc Colonial Empire
The traumatic experiences of the expelled Protestants during the Great Confessional War and the subsequent atrocities of the Dragonnades left an indelible mark on their collective consciousness, shaping a resilient and unyielding mentality that was defined by a profound sense of perseverance, devotion to their faith, and an unwavering commitment to the Protestant Work Ethic. Fueled by a persistent belief in their own righteousness and a profound sense of collective identity, the exiled Protestants channeled their deep-seated trauma and determination into the formation of a massive colonial empire that would come to span vast swathes of the earth.
The enduring memory of their near extermination and the constant sense of siege instilled in them a pervasive mindset of perpetual vigilance and the necessity for expansion to ensure their survival and prosperity. Driven by a potent combination of resourcefulness, resilience, and an acute awareness of their vulnerability, the expelled Protestants harnessed their collective willpower and determination to carve out new territories and establish formidable colonies across distant lands. Bolstered by their unwavering devotion to their faith and a resolute adherence to the principles of the Protestant Work Ethic, the exiled Protestants infused their colonial endeavors with an unparalleled sense of purpose and discipline. This steadfast commitment to hard work, diligence, and self-reliance laid the groundwork for the rapid growth and expansion of their colonial empire, enabling them to establish thriving settlements and robust economic networks that would ultimately form the backbone of their burgeoning dominion.
Despite their history of persecution and displacement, the exiled Protestants displayed remarkable adeptness in forging strong alliances with individuals and communities that welcomed them with open arms. Leveraging their shrewd diplomacy, strategic foresight, and a keen understanding of geopolitical dynamics, they forged enduring partnerships and alliances that served to bolster their influence and extend their reach across various regions of the world. Combining their diplomatic finesse with a pragmatic and unrelenting militaristic approach, the expelled Protestants demonstrated a remarkable capacity for expansionism and territorial acquisition. Their resolute determination to secure their foothold in new lands, coupled with their formidable military prowess and tactical acumen, enabled them to overcome formidable challenges and establish a sprawling colonial empire that spanned continents and left an indelible imprint on the global geopolitical landscape.
Colonial militarism
Main article: Buccaneer and colonial warfare culture The experience gained from their participation in the Great Confessional War served as a crucible that forged the expelled Protestants into a formidable band of disciplined and battle-hardened soldiers. The harrowing realities of warfare had instilled in them a strict code of discipline, resilience, and strategic acumen, honing their combat skills and fostering a deep-seated sense of camaraderie and unity among their ranks. Drawing upon the lessons learned from their tumultuous history, they embraced a culture of military excellence and steadfast determination, laying the foundation for their future conquests and endeavors in the lands they colonized. While their defeat in the Great Confessional War was a bitter pill to swallow, it also served as a catalyst for a profound transformation in their approach to warfare. The resounding loss compelled them to reevaluate their military strategies and tactics, fostering a newfound openness to learning from the indigenous peoples in the lands they sought to colonize. Recognizing the need to adapt and assimilate local knowledge and fighting techniques, the expelled Protestants displayed a remarkable capacity for cultural exchange and assimilation, blending their own expertise with the wisdom gleaned from the native populations. This process of mutual learning and adaptation culminated in the development of a unique and formidable way of war that was characterized by its adaptability and versatility. Drawing upon a diverse array of tactics, ranging from traditional Levantine warfare techniques to the specialized knowledge acquired from the indigenous inhabitants, the expelled Protestants forged a distinct military approach that deftly navigated the complexities of various terrains, climates, and adversaries. This adaptive and resourceful approach to warfare endowed them with a significant strategic advantage, enabling them to overcome formidable challenges and emerge victorious in a wide range of military endeavors.
Their ruthless pursuit of military dominance was underscored by a relentless commitment to achieving their objectives at any cost. Unencumbered by traditional constraints or conventional norms, the expelled Protestants displayed a willingness to employ ruthless and unorthodox methods in their military endeavors, effectively leveraging their combined military expertise, adaptability, and unyielding determination to secure their dominance in the lands they sought to conquer.
In the early days of the Burgoignesc Colonial Empire the Protestant men were few in number and their military hardware was left over from the Great Confessional War. It wasn't long before their incursions in Audonia were met with stiffening resistance from established power players with the military vestiges of the late Oduniyyad Caliphate. Warlords, local strong men, and regional lords who could afford larger armies and fortified defenses were the scourge of the efforts at expansionism under the trappings of set piece Occidental battles. Soon the Bergendii shifted tactics, out of necessity, to make the most of their smaller numbers and increasingly archaic weaponry.
TerreRaubeuers
Creating numerous small units of men were specially selected and trained (often by local natives) to participate in sorties and razzia against much more numerous and fortified enemies became a fairly standard practice by Audonian based Bergendii colonial governors. These were contemporaneously called the governor's land rovers (Burg: TerreRaubeuers),and were a purely offensive force. These units were never standardized but often shared common themes, they were meritocratic, not restricted by class, race, or creed. These units adopted the weapons of the area in which they operated so that resupply through raiding allowed for long-range raids deep into the enemies interior. Uniforms were eschewed in favor of traditional dress of the area of operations. Due to limitations of communications in the 17th-19th century, governors would give these units general objectives and targets and most importantly a timeframe, but leave it up to the leaders of the units to adjust to the realities on the ground. The timeframe became increasingly important as negotiations would be planned around these timeframes. Treaties or agreements would be stalled until the TerreRaubeuers would return and damage to a new alliance or arrangement after the fact wouldn't occur.
Women
The aftermath of the Great Confessional War had left a devastating impact on the demographic landscape of the Protestant community, resulting in a significant loss of male population due to casualties sustained during the conflict. The scarcity of able-bodied men in the colonies created a unique societal dynamic that paved the way for a notable and unprecedented role for women within the Protestant communities. With a substantial portion of the male population depleted, women found themselves shouldering a newfound responsibility and taking on roles traditionally reserved for men. This shift in societal norms and expectations engendered a redefinition of gender roles and responsibilities, allowing women to assume leadership positions, manage crucial administrative tasks, and actively participate in various facets of colonial life and governance that had previously been inaccessible to them. In the absence of a significant male presence, women played a pivotal role in the economic sustenance and development of the colonies, taking on responsibilities such as agricultural cultivation, trade and commerce, and the management of household affairs. Their resourcefulness, resilience, and determination enabled them to adapt to the challenging conditions of colonial life, effectively assuming a central role in the sustenance and growth of their communities. The outsized role of women in the colonies also extended to the realms of education, healthcare, and social welfare. In the absence of a robust male presence, women emerged as the primary caregivers, educators, and community organizers, contributing to the establishment of educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and charitable organizations that catered to the diverse needs of the burgeoning colonial society. This unprecedented prominence of women in the colonies fostered a culture of empowerment and inclusivity, laying the groundwork for the recognition of their invaluable contributions to the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the Protestant communities. Their resilience, ingenuity, and leadership in the face of adversity served as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human capacity to adapt and thrive in the most challenging of circumstances.
Legacy of the Colonial Role of Women
The significant role that women played in the colonies, particularly in the context of the Protestant communities of Equatorial Ostiecia, has had a profound and lasting impact on the contemporary views of women's roles in culture, society, and economics among modern Protestants, especially those whose ancestral roots trace back to the colonial era in Burgundie. The historical legacy of women's empowerment and leadership in the colonies continues to serve as a foundational pillar for shaping the perspectives and attitudes toward gender equality, women's rights, and socio-economic inclusivity within modern Protestant societies, particularly in the region of Equatorial Ostiecia. The rich historical precedent set by the influential role of women in the colonies has engendered a culture of inclusivity and empowerment within modern Protestant communities. The enduring legacy of their pivotal contributions to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the colonies has fostered a contemporary mindset that recognizes and celebrates the indispensable role of women in all facets of life. This has led to a progressive reevaluation of traditional gender norms and stereotypes, promoting a more equitable and inclusive approach to societal roles and responsibilities based on merit rather than gender.
The historical narrative of women's resilience and leadership in the colonies has catalyzed a transformative shift in the perception of women's roles within modern Protestant cultures. The recognition of their invaluable contributions to the development and prosperity of their communities has instilled a renewed sense of respect, admiration, and appreciation for the capabilities and potential of women in shaping the trajectory of societal progress and development. In the context of contemporary society in Equatorial Ostiecia, where the majority of Burgoignesc Protestants reside, the historical legacy of women's empowerment and leadership has influenced the formulation of progressive policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality, women's empowerment, and socio-economic inclusivity. This has led to the establishment of institutions, organizations, and advocacy groups that are dedicated to advancing the rights and opportunities of women, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society that values and empowers women to participate actively and meaningfully in all spheres of life. The enduring impact of the historical role of women in the colonies has thus served as a catalyst for the emergence of a more inclusive, egalitarian, and progressive cultural, social, and economic landscape within modern Protestant communities in Equatorial Ostiecia, promoting the principles of gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice as integral components of a thriving and inclusive society.
In the context of the Burgoignesc Metropole, the historical legacy of the significant role of women in the colonies has influenced the contemporary views of gender roles and women's empowerment to a lesser extent. However, in the 20th and 21st centuries, as the advent of modern communications, particularly the internet, has contributed to the homogenization of Burgoignesc culture, the divide is becoming slightly less. While the historical narrative of women's empowerment and leadership in the colonies remains a part of the cultural consciousness, its direct impact on contemporary societal norms and gender dynamics in the Burgoignesc Metropole has been somewhat tempered. The widespread access to modern communication technologies, including the internet, has facilitated the dissemination of a more globalized and homogenized cultural narrative, blurring the distinct historical context of the role of women in the colonies within the broader framework of evolving societal norms and values. As a result, the traditional reverence for the historical legacy of women's empowerment in the colonies has been somewhat overshadowed by the influence of more contemporary and globally pervasive cultural ideals and norms.