The Commonwealth of Mareyland has suffered economic depression and widespread labor unrest. The ruling National Union Party was firmly allied to the interests and profits of the upper classes, while the opposition Liberal Republican Party supported economic and social reforms. Strikes by railroad workers, coal miners, and other laborers culminated in riots that swept through the nation's capital city, Eureka. President Martin Winslow fled the city along with his cabinet. Winslow and his political allies in the National Union Party tried to use the crisis to solidify their hold on power, by proroguing the Senate and declaring martial law. But the Liberal Republican Party gathered enough Senators to achieve a quorum and impeach Winslow. The Senate has elected Senator Quincy Addison as President pro tempore.
The Commonwealth quickly divided between the two governments, who each denounced the other as unlawful and unconstitutional. The states of Parthenia, Garland, and Pavonia, whose governments were dominated by the National Union Party, continue to acknowledge Martin Winslow as President of Mareyland. The states of Cressia, Vandalia, and Delmarva, which had Liberal Republican governments, have recognized Quincy Addison as the lawful chief executive of the Commonwealth. The National Guard, the army of Mareyland, has been split roughly in half between the two governments. Both sides have issued a call for volunteers to supplement their loyal National Guard and state militia troops. Armies are gathering in force around the capital, and open warfare seems imminent. Foreign involvement in the brewing crisis might swing the balance in the favor of one side or the other.
This RP is Past Tech and Open to all applicants. There is no form to fill out - simply tell me how you want to be involved in the RP and I'll respond with my impressions and feedback, and hopefully we'll be able to tell an interesting story. Participation on a character level or a national level is possible, though direct military intervention should be of small scale, at least to start.
For more backstory and to meet some of the cast of characters, check out the thread here.