"Ideas that enter the mind under fire remain there securely and for ever."
Leon Trotsky
The Beginning:
The cold barren mountains of Northern Gratislavia, for the first time in over a millennium; buzzed with unending activity. A long trail of horses, mules, and above all men streamed up and down the never ending slopes in complete disarray, and yet as one. Even as massive amounts of snow blanketed the range the undying spirit of the men seemed unaffected, which was surprising considering that many were dressed in little more than rags or barefoot. Twas a strange occurrence indeed, rallied for an even more outlandish cause; or rather outlandish considering the past of Gratislavia. For over four millennium Gratislavia had been ruled by an Autocrat with unchecked power, four glorious millenniums that would soon end.
Communism in any shape or form had been from the very beginning disliked amongst various Gratislavian peoples, especially the monarchy for oblivious reasons. However in 1949 a new ideological concept of Communism reached the unchanged shores of the mighty Imperium, Trotskyism. This new concept embracing what the Gratislavians saw as "the best of both right and left wing communism," took hold immediately in the hearts of many Southern and Northern Gratislavians who were already being oppressed by the Eastern Bureaucracy and Monarchy. Therefore it only made sense that the first and ultimately the only remaining Gratislavian communist party was formed in a small village along the river "Kurnvold," the geographical middle point between north and south.
The PVPG or Peoples Vanguard Party of Gratislavia (Or simply the Trotsky Party) immediately gained popularity, however this to was wavering after a long course of inactivity. This activity was however bolstered after three immensely important actions that occurred in 1963. The first was the fall of the Fourth International that caused massive pain among Gratislavian Trotskyist. The second was the idea of re-founding the Fourth International in Gratislavia, and the third was the Kaiser's crackdown on all communist due to this notion. However his actions in the end seemed to have an opposite effect on the PVPG, as their numbers swelled and large scale talk of revolution rose up.
However these talks in the end came to be nothing but hot air and for a period of over forty years the PVPG went quiet, secretly drawling members in and expanding their power in the West as well as their traditional holdings. This never ending but secretive and continuous activity seemed to be the end of the PVPG until finally on one fine October day the Imperium of Gratislavia went to war. This war against one of Gratislavia's old enemies was easily one of the bloodiest ever, claiming millions of lives and leading to a series of unending wars that still continued on this cold may day. Starting with some far flung enemy and now encompassing a whole alliance known as Aries (lead by the Arch Islands) the casualties had been and were still staggering.
The toll on the people was also great, as their morale was shaken by war taxes and the death of five autocrats in three months, with the most recent declaring himself Supreme Autocrat and ending all power the people had possessed. These events along with with threats of Arch Isles invasion and a growing famine in the west and south as a result of government hoarding eventually led to an over spill of violence and destruction in the small village of Youmfrav in western Gratislavia. The actions committed in this village by Gratislavian soldiers, under orders from the monarchy were absolutely atrocious and down right vile at best, especially considering the peaceful tone the gathering had had.
The 33rd Gratislavian Armored Division had rolled into the small village waiving brilliant golden flags and displaying their personal standard with pride. However this procession quickly turned to violence when the soldiers from the East encountered the PVPG protests. Honor turned to slaughter as the soldiers opened fire with fully automatic weapons and even shattered several buildings with tank rounds, all while rounding up any civilians that survived. This was of course the outrageous spring board that in the end started the massive march to North Gratislavia.
The Gathering:
Idle fires blazed throughout the mountain range as millions sat together in comfort of numbers, finally ready to overthrow their darkest of oppressors; the capitalist and monarchist of Gratislavia. Primarily farmers but with a strong majority of industrial factory workers and craftsmen, these men had spent their entire lives slaving for the good of Gratislavia and had seemingly received nothing in return, a crime in it's own right. Of course now they had been given their only chance at freedom, and they would take it with the utmost concentration and effort.
"Brothers and sisters, today is the final day we shall be oppressed by the evils of Monarchy of the east. Even now movements begin among the enlightened of those areas to strike where it hurts the most, while in the rest of the country an armed rebellion shall soon take place. But for now we must dwell on the present here in the north of Gratislavia. It has been decided that after the revolution has succeed Gratislavia shall designate itself. The Neo-Trotskyist Union of Gratislavia, and shall undergo a complete overhaul of the political system in order to better represent the people!"
A loud cheer went up as the wave of supporters shouted their adoration at the new government that would soon take hold of the country. Before they eventually died down and went back to their respected camp fires. Around such a campfire a young man sat with his three brothers and twin sisters discussing the fate of the nation after the Revolution. "It is of course obvious that we shall shatter all Monarchist resistance, this is true, but we can also finally come face to face with the fact that our lives will greatly improve after the revolution and I for one shall seek work in this proposed Party Railroad system. Brothers I urge you to do the same!"
The man let his words sink in before gesturing towards one of his younger brothers. "I think that we shall to join this project, expect for Alexander who will return with our sisters to maintain the farm land and provide food for the glorious union!" The even younger man shouted equally loud and proudly,"well actually I don't think I shall join either. Brother after the revolution I intend on joining the grand army of the people and serving Gratislavia effectively in the defense of the motherland!"
The eldest brother raised his eyebrow for a moment than spoke much quieter,"you have my blessing; defend the grand Rodina well brother. Defender her well." The eldest brother than quickly stood and glanced at his family," you three shall come with me; it is time to collect our rifles. Catherine, Olivia, you are to remain here and provide logistical support for the army of the revolution; may fortune follow you in this endeavor." With those final words the family separated as the men went off to fight a grand war against the evils of the Monarchy.
The Revolution:
A mass column of black and white moved swiftly through the streets of Gronville while a storm of hammer and sickles dressed also in black and white. A great cry of victory stormed through the city as the great banner of the new union was raised high above the old palace and a commandeered tank rolled through the old sphere of imperialism. Today was easily the happiest day in more than ninety percent of Gratislavians lives, this much was clear. However for the remaining Gratislavians the war was not over and a great battle still needed to be decided.
However this battle was in the near future not the present and so it was with great joy that the new constitution was raised and the solidification of the new state was confirmed. The great black and white banner had finally found a home and soon very soon it would conquer those that sought to oppress the people, but for now a great celebration would take place; and an army would form to finish the fight. Oh and of course a premier would be elected to lead the people on an international stage as was required in the new state.
