The newly independent state faced immediate economic and political problems. The wealth gap between the rich and the poor was vast, and industrial workers were agitating for better conditions and higher wages. In the countryside, land reforms had displaced many small farmers and forced them to choose between becoming tenant farmers on the estates of the landed gentry or looking for scarce jobs in the cities. The end of dominion status also brought about an end to preferred trading status with the mother country, leading to higher prices for food and other necessities.
The government that was established in the transition to independence has been inadequate to resolve these issues. It was designed to re-entrench the power of the nobility (holding titles granted during the colonial period), the landed gentry, and the barons of industry. It consisted of a bicameral legislature, with the Senate as the upper house and the Parliament as the lower house. An alliance of social democrats, trade unionists, and agrarian populists achieved a majority in Parliament, but its ability to enact reforms was stymied by the dominance of conservatives in the Senate.
The workers and peasants lost faith in the political process, and began to mobilize for direct action. Conservatives responded in kind, and both sides began to organize paramilitary forces. Neither side made overt moves until the last of the mother country's administrators and soldiers departed. Then both sides attempted nearly simultaneous coups. The Senate issued a declaration disbanding the Parliament and assuming sole legislating authority. It was backed by the paramilitary forces of the upper classes and some of the backcountry, as well as the handful of military units raised during the dominion period. The socialist movement launched general strikes that quickly escalated into armed uprisings, which seized control of the major cities (including the capital) and the coastal countryside. The Senate relocated to the city of Cunningham.
Both sides are seeking international recognition and support. Mareyland did not maintain a large military during its time as a dominion, so there are few heavy weapons or trained military personnel. The Senate currently has a slight advantage in these areas. At the moment, this is largely a civil war of amateurs. International intervention will be a key deciding factor in determining the future of Mareyland.
Red: Areas of Communist Control
Welcome to the RP introduction of Mareyland! This setup is based heavily on the Finnish Civil War. An alliance of conservatives, landowners, industrial capitalists, and nobility ("the Blues" or "the Senate") battle against social democrats, trade unionists, agrarian populists, and communists ("the Reds") for control over the direction of Mareyland's future.
If you'd like to join, fill out this simple form. Most of its standard application stuff, but I would like to establish some pre-existing connections between intervening countries and Mareyland. I'm happy to discuss what those connections could be over Telegrams or here. The IC thread will go up in one week.
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Nation Name:
Supporting the Blues or the Reds:
What kind of support:
Reason for support/post-war intentions:
Existing relationship with Mareyland:
