History of Vinalia

The history of Vinalia

Prehistory

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Pre-History

The earliest signs of human habitation in Vinalia, can be traced to around 10,000 BCE from stone tools found in archaeological excavations on the Shryoniy river. The Sobol site, showcases some of the oldest stone tools in Vinalia, with nearby Cave paintings dated to 6,000 years ago present in the area. As with other early humans, these were mostly nomad Hunter-gatherer societies that transversed the lowlands in the search of suitable hunting grounds and game. Around 4,000 BCE the discovery of agriculture had led to the creation of settled societies in the country. It is unknown which specific culture introduced agriculture in the region, if it were the Zapoyan, or the Úuchmáan from neighboring modern Ardesia in the south, as a result of a rudimentary trading network. Early agricultural societies mostly grew beans, maize, and squash, along with several other agricultural products such as tomatoes, and cocoa in lesser quantities. Although Maize was the most important.

It is believed that these early settled societies were vastly different culturally than their Zapoyan, and Úuchmáan neighbors in the south from which they had learned agriculture from, although they shared similar historical traits. These people were commonly divided into 3 major cultures, Proto-Shryoniy located in the south of the country, Proto-Vulna located in the center and north of the country, and Kisharsk culture in the island. These cultures developed mainly along fertile river valleys and coast, and dedicated themselves to agriculture. Although warfare was common in this period of history between villages, for control of territory. These cultures had similar Polytheistic religious beliefs, and developed writing most likely from their Zapoyan neighbors. Zapoyan society had slowly expanded through cultural assimilation and conquest, by 2000 BCE most of the Proto-Shryoniy settlements had been incorporated into the Zapoyan cultural sphere, utilizing the same writing system, currency, and religious beliefs. These settlements had become nearly identical to Zapoyan settlements in Ardesia. Úuchmáan cultural influence travelled more slowly, although it focused mainly on the Juyu Ruwach mountains. Similar assimilation into Zapoyan and Úuchmáan cultures happened with the Proto-Vulna, and by 1000 BCE they had been incorporated. The Kisharsk culture remained highly isolated but it is believed that by the year 100 BCE, it had become indistinguishable from its Zapoyan neighbors. Many scholars believe that these Pre-historic societies did not fully become Zapoyan or Úuchmáan, but rather utilized their writing systems, thus leading to a belief that they were fully assimilated or conquered by their southern neighbors, while they in reality remained relatively isolated and independent in culture and religious belief.

Pre-Classical Vinakian (800 BCE - 10 CE)

Early Pre-Classical (800 BCE - 400 BCE)

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600 BCE

The Pre-Classical period of Vinakian history, is dated to the believed establishment of the city Miyaoachitl in southern Vinalia, a Zapoyan city close to the border between modern day Vinalia and Ardesia. Cities began to appear in the country side, as societies began to urbanize along major waterways, and farmlands. These early cities featured vast structural complexes, with a large central ceremonial platform from which causeways that led outside the city originated. Stone houses on both sides of the causeways, the largest of which was usually reserved for some ceremonial or religious purpose. Zapoyan cities such as Och-Kan, Patli, Akbit and Chorna Skelya are believed to have been established on a period between 800 BCE and 600 BCE, other cities of importance were the Úuchmáan city of Velykhrob, and Ichtaca on the Juyu Ruwach mountains. These cities operated as City-states, that maintained vast inland trading networks with each other and cities in modern Ardesia, they also participated in political struggles and alliances against one another, in a varied and fluid political landscape. Although the city of Och-Kan was seen as the dominant power in the region, as they maintained a vast system of alliances reaching as far north as Ahau-Kin, and Tetuolmec city states.

Findings from this time period showcase the development of irrigation systems in the region. Archeological discoveries in Och-Kan showcase intricate development of irrigation systems.

Late Pre-Classical (400 BCE - 10 CE)

500 BCE

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400 BCE

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350 BCE

Colonial Vinalia (1565-1865)

Early Colonial Vinalia (1565-1700)

Soravian explorers had made their way across the Lumine in 1565 when Grigori Kosh made his way to Chistovodia to the north of Vinalia. Although Soravia had established a colonial presence in the Asterias it lagged behind in development and economical value from other colonial nations, Chistovodia proved too cold for the extensive agriculture employed by other colonial empires. Expeditions south had been planned, Soravian explorers were keen on finding a passage way to the western colonies of other Euclean powers. The first to launch an expedition south was Afanasij Orlev who set sail from Fort Ruda in Chistovodia with 3 ships, the Kazymyr (Casimir), Peremozhnyy (Victorious), and Vira (Faith). Orlev mapped large sections of the Chistovodian, and Vinalian coast but with few results and a dwindling stockpile, Orlev made downfall at the mouth of the Medvid River where he established Fort Orlev, in modern day Orlavo on April 19th. Orlev was the first Soravian to describe the indigenous Vinakians, which historians believe were of Zapoyan origin. He noted the differences between the indigenous people of Vinalia and Chistovodia, and suggested the establishment of a second colony for this exact reason. Orlev would die in Fort Orlev the following year, after famine struck Fort Orlev, nearly killing all of its inhabitants. Famed Soravian explorer Grigori Kosh sought to continue the voyage started by Orlev as he explored further south, with a grand fleet of 10 vessels in 1567. The expedition established 5 forts on the coasts of the country the most prominent of which was Catherinsk, and Fort Ivan (later Ivanovo). Kosh would make his voyage north to rule over Chistovodia as its governor the following year, leaving Evhen Mazeia to govern the geographically isolated forts on the coast. The areas south of the Bin River proved to be of hotter climate, and could be used for the plantation and growing of cash crops most prominently sugar. Although Kosh had established Catherinsk on the northern shore of the Chyhyryn river, and colonists began to look favorably to the region, do to its climate. Povelian colonists had already established settlements on the region south of the Chyhyryn river. Conflict soon arose over where the boundaries were to be set of the colony of Novo Poveja, and Vinalia. Although the region between Chyhyryn and the Meka rivers was lightly populated by Povelian colonists. Soravia lacked the resources to wage a war against Povelia and its allies, nor was Povelia interested in conflict with Soravia. In 1573 the boundaries between both colonies were established at the Chyhyryn river.

By the 1560's the Mazanan Empire had large sections of the empire depopulated as a result of the various epidemics that had struck the empire, with its power heavily dwindled, and facing constant challenge from its subjects. Itzel had been able to escape the fate of the Mazanan Empire, and initially traded with the Soravians through Fort Orlev, mostly in the form of furs. The Mazanan Empire weary of the Soravians initially sought to trade with the colonizers, sending a royal delegation in 1571 to Fort Kosh on the Shyroniy river, which at the time lay entirely in Mazanan hands. The delegation upon witnessing the state of the colony and its inhabitants quickly marched north to Hun-Cane. King Teyaticue seeing an opportunity, dispatched an army to the fort, quickly destroying and overwhelming the few dozens of settlers. The destruction of Fort Kosh, and the strong weather experienced, hampered efforts to resupply the remaining 5 forts, with famine like conditions in Catherinsk. Following a letter to Emperor Ivan VI asking for aid, a great fleet under the command of Josep Mykola was dispatched to Vinalia, including a large contingent of soldiers, which arrived to Catherinsk in 1572. At the time Fort Ivan on the island of Kisharsk had proven to be the most resilient settlement in the colony, and thus was chosen to be the first settlement to start growing sugar, which had been brought for exploitation in Vinalia as a Cash crop. Cocoa also began to be grown in the colony, and enjoyed export into Soravia.

Soravian conquest of the Mazanan Empire

Josep Mykola had sought to explore the Shyroniy river, as rumors reported the Mazanan capital of Hun-Cane on its banks with a large reserve of gold. Mykola launched an expedition through the river on December 1573, encountering deserted towns and villages. Upon reaching Hun-Cane, Teyaticue sought to reach a peace deal with the Soravians by inviting them into the city, but Mykola captured and held as hostage Teyaticue, forcing the Mazananians to surrender all their gold or fear the death of their. After Teyaticue died in Soravian custody mere days after his capture, Mazananians forces inside the city attempted to expulse the Soravians from the city. During the fighting Mykola and his men escaped the city, and set it ablaze hunting down any Calkhunians which escaped the city. The fall of Hun-Cane caused a ripple effect throughout the empire, as forces loyal to Teyaticues nephew, Teq'un sought to maintain control of the empire as all its subjects launched into revolt. Mykola would finish his journey across the Shyroniy in August 1574, after having fought and destroyed numerous Calkhun armies and cities, utilizing the help of native allies. The fall of the Calkhun Empire started a period of instability, and inner fighting in the region which only benefitted the Soravian colonizers. Itzel itself would be abandoned in 1580, after a Swine flu outbreak wiped out the population of the city.

By 1580, the colony was experiencing a great period of prosperity as sugar plantations expanded throughout the colony. Sugar was the primary crop grown in the country, although Cocoa, Maize, Rice, and Beans were grown in significant quantities throughout the country as well. The colonies struggled with acquiring sufficient laborers, following the death of the enslaved indigenous populations. A system of Indentured servants maintained free passage for any and all who wished to migrate to Vinalia, although this system initially resolved the issue, Vinalian sugar was uncompetitive when compared to Povelian, or Gaullican colonial sugar, which relied on cheap and easily accessible Bahian slaves. To remain competitive, Soravia began to buy slaves from other colonial powers to ensure sufficient labor in the colony.On May 16th 1584 a ship carrying 33 Bahian slaves arrived in Fort Ivan, starting the Soravian involvement in the Transvehemens slave trade. By 1650 close to 50,000 Bahian slaves had been brought to Vinalia to work mostly in the Sugar plantations of Kisharsk, Soravian slave traders transported slaves directly from Bahia to Vinalia. The introduction of Tobacco to Vinalia in 1609, brought a wave of migration to the north of the colony, which had mostly remained devoid of settlement do to the sugar plantations of the south. Tobacco proved to be a major success, and Vinalia enjoyed vast attention from Soravia do to its profitable plantations.

Fort Orlev in 1599

The success of the Yellow Tree War in Chistovodia, was met with great enthusiasm as Vinalian authorities sought to replicate the same process. Large scale fighting against the Zapoyan population resumed in 1622, as colonial authorities sought to "clean up" the Shyroniy river basin, the campaign proved highly demanding in manpower and resources as the Zapoyan cities were more cohesive than the Batiskas of Chistovodia. Such a long drawn out campaign had disappointed colonial authorities and expansion into the interior dragged out in the same manner as expansion in Chistovodia. By 1643 the governor of Vinalia, Yakiv Afanasijovych announced that the country had been "cleaned up", with most natives forced into Provbudyn "holding houses", or into Cocoa, and Kokhineal plantations known as майноs, located deep in the mountains where conditions were harsh under indentured servitude. Vinalia exploration and expansion beyond the Juyu Ruwach mountains was slow do to the hostility of the terrain in the Tziran Desert, and today few people live west of the Juyu Ruwach mountains. Following the exploration of Zalyk explorers west of the Juyu Ruwach, colonial authorities sought to settled "unwanted" populations on the discovered lands, Zalykians and natives were settled sometimes forcefully by Soravian authorities in this region. The discovery of Silver brought a wave of settlers into the region in the 1670s.

Ten Year's War (1700-1721)

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Colonial Map of Vinalia, prior to the 10 Years War. In Orange: Orlavo Colony. Grey Casimirsk Colony. Maroon: Shryoniy colony. Pink: Kisharsk Crown Colony

Joint Soravian-Gaullican-Paretian squadron during the decisive Battle of the Arucian in 1719

Although the border between Vinalia and Novo Poveja had been established in 1568. However colonists usually crossed the Chyhyryn river to hunt for furs, and seek out timber on the northern parts of the river. Some Soravian colonists had made their way into Novo Poveja as early as 1650, illegally settling in the sparsely populated region. Although initially Povelian authorities sought to stop this, they increasingly struggled with preventing Soravian illegal entry and settlement on their territory. Catherinsk had become by the 1680 a major port for Vinalia, and following an agreement in 1683, Povelians were allowed to export goods from Catherinsk free of duties, they would also return fleeing slaves and serfs to Vinalia. In exchange Soravian settlers south of the river, would be "tolerated", on the condition they converted to Catholicism and paid their taxes. Soravian settlers on the northern areas of Novo Poveja were virtually untouched as authorities had little in the way of enforcing the agreement. Soravian settlement and entry into Novo Poveja increased in the 1690s, leading Povelian settlers to oppose and threaten the new foreign settlers. Both sides began to launch raids across the river, the use of Zapoyan allies by both sides increased tensions on each side of the river.

A raid by Vinalian settlers and Zapoyan allies numbering upwards of 500 men, was launched in 1705. Olenkov's Raid as it was called, resulted in the burning and plunder of numerous towns and villages upstream from the coast. The raid enraged Povelian authorities, who provided for the construction of forts and other installations near {{wp|Ford_(crossing)|fords]] on the river. Frederick I seizing the opportunity, deployed 2,000 men to the Chyhyryn river, to prevent further Vinalian raids south, but also to enforce Soravian power to Povelia. Although the raids ended, Vinalian planters began to call for a general conflict with Povelia, to expand Vinalia. Frederick I was interested in expanding Vinalia into the sugar rich lands south of the Chyhyryn, while also providing Catherinsk, now Vinalia's 3rd largest city, and port much needed protection. Frederick oversaw major expansion and growth in the Soravian Arucian Squadron, which expanded greatly to counter Povelian and Gaullican ambitions in the Arucian. Vinalia also began constructing forts on its side of the river, to counter Povelia.

Conflict erupted in Euclea in 1711 with the Ten Year's War. The conflict saw the major powers of Asterias roped into a great conflict by alliances, and regional rivalries. Soravia found itself in the Asterias in conflict with Povelia and Estmere, which held colonies in the Arucian, and the western part of the Asterias. Vinalia mobilized for the conflict with eagerness, and Vinalian militias and Soravian regulars quickly overpowered Povelian forces on the Chyhyryn, and occupied both sides of the river banks. Povelian slaves were quickly transferred north, and Vinalian forces awaited further instructions. Morale and eagerness in Vinalia, resulted in the selling of "Conquered" land in Novo Poveja. Some Vinalian planters were so eager, that they acquired land as far south as Rémont which they were confident would be granted to Vinalia following the victory of Soravia. At sea, Soravian ships were able to engage the dispersed Povelian ships in numerous skirmishes, successfully blockading Nassea in modern Gapolania, and the Povelian fleet inside. Soravian Privateers terrorized Povelian and Estmerish holdings, with Soravian ships recorded to have bombarded Cuanstad on February 1712. Povelian ships had used the rough seas around the Arucian to unite their scattered forces and drive out the Soravian fleet, which now was dispersed between blockades in Nassea, Remont, and the Arucian. On April 19th, Povelian forces engaged Soravian forces during the battle of the Cubulco Gulf, the battle ended in a Soravian rout, as Soravian ships quickly retreated from their positions to return to Kisharsk. Povelian ships scoured the Arucian for Soravian forces, but could not successfully engage them in battle.

With the Soravian fleet forced to Kisharsk, Povelia and Estmere prepared a combined fleet to blockade, along with an army to take over Kisharsk. An army of 5,000 Povelian soldiers, along with colonial militias, and Zapoyan soldiers set forth from Porto Sotiri to invade mainland Vinalia. Following rough seas throughout the winter of 1713, the Povelian fleet was forced to break off its blockade of Kisharsk, allowing Soravian ships to escape Kisharsk and trail the Povelian fleet, unbeknown to them Estmerish forces were heading to join them. Soravian ships engaged the combined fleet in the Battle of the Strait of Secanton in February 1714, having walked into an ambush, the Soravian fleet was nearly completely destroyed. Povelian and Estmerish ships arrived off of Kisharsk and proceeded to blockade the island on March 15th 1714. An Estmerish army of 2,000 was to be landed on the island on April 28th, Estmerish and Vinalian forces fought for control of the island, before the island surrendered on the 9th of May. Facing a stronger Povelian force, Soravian forces retreated from the Chyhyryn river, and engaged the Povelian invaders in various skirmishes between February and June, but were unable to prevent the encirclement and eventual fall of Catherinsk on January 1715. Vinalian forces engaged Povelia throughout 1715, and 1716 but were unable to prevent the fall of most of South Vinalia, and New Samistopol on August 1716.

The entry of Gaullica, and Paretia into the conflict in 1717, provided relief to the colonists. Gaullican ships engaged Povelian ships throughout the Asterias, forcing Povelia and Estmere to end the blockade of Vinalia. By 1718, a major Soravian fleet had arrived to Orlavo, as it signaled the return of Soravia to the Asterias, 5,000 soldiers were unloaded on Orlavo, allowing Vinalia to launch a major offensive against Povelian forces, which had retreated west to engage Paretian forces. Gaullica and Paretia desired to engage Povelia and Estmere in battle, but were unable to decisively engage them throughout 1717, and 1718. The fleets from all 3 nations entered the Arucian sea on early March 1719, prompting the joint Povelian-Estmerish squadron to engage Soravian forces first. The Battle of the Arucian was the largest naval battle in the Asterias up to that moment, and involved the great Asterian forces of all 5 nations. The battle ended in an Estmerish and Povelian defeat, with the Povelian fleet escaping to Novo Poveja, and the Estmerish fleet being completely destroyed. Soravian forces had freed all of Vinalia by June 1720, allowing them to briefly invade Novo Poveja. Paretia and Soravia had agreed in 1717 that Ardesia south of the Meka river was to be granted to Paretia, with everything north granted to Vinalia. The end of the war in 1721, saw Vinalia expand to the Meka River, and established Soravia as a global superpower.

Sugar explosion (1721-1800)

Bahian and Zapoyan workers in a sugar curing house in Kisharsk

Vinalia enjoyed following the aftermath a period of great growth. Former Ardesian slaves were brought to large sugar and tobacco plantations throughout the country, and agricultural production reached an all time high. Soravian sugar and tobacco now competed with Estmerish and Gaullican agricultural products in Euclea, driving up prices back in Vinalia. As slave and indentured servant plantations in Vinalia grew increasingly in size, smaller scale operations primarily operating on Soravian serfs, and free men were greatly forced outside of profitable sugar and tobacco ventures. These small landowners increasingly moved into other crops such as Cotton, Kokhineal, Corn, Beans, and Wheat which relied on less labor. Vinalian planters began importing in great quantities Bahian slaves. The Enslaved People's Code (Kodeks Ponevolenykh Lyudey; Кодекс поневолених людей) or Slave Codes. Established the legal framework for Soravian Bahian slavery in 1727, it defined slaves as property at the will of their owner, while also establishing all the offspring of slaves as slaves themselves. The Codes legally separated all 3 classes of servitude in the country, as indentured indigenous servants were granted different rights and privileges, while indentured white servants were allowed greater freedoms but were still not guaranteed free autonomy. This agricultural expansion reached its peak when in 1760 sugar exports from the island of Kisharsk were valued more than the total export of Chistovodia.

General discontent with Euclean colonisation had recently led other colonies into revolt, this along with revolution in Euclea, and abolitionist sentinment in Ardesia worried the elite of Vinalian planters. The 1773 Khmelnytskyi revolt in Chistovodia, worried Soravian authorities which feared similar events in Vinalia, the revolt brought renewed attention to Vinalia by Soravian authorities. Although initially welcomed, growing abolitionist sentiment and the threat of slave rebellion worried authorities. Such worries were realized when on March 1779, some 40 Bahian and Zapoyan slaves in a plantation on the Chyhyryn river revolted. Although easily quelled, the revolt was highly publicized although slave displeasure was not uncommon the alliance between Bahian slaves and Zapoyan indentured servants worried many. The introduction of Indigo to Vinalia in 1763 allowed small scale farmers to enter into a quickly growing market, this along with the slow scale down of tobacco production north of the Bin river in favor of Kokhineal, Corn, and Wheat moved the center of power in Vinalia south of the Bin river. Velkarichka became in 1782 the new capital of the Vinalian colony, taking the position from Orlavo. Velkarichka became a commerce hub, based on the Chyhyryn it had only existed for only 80 years yet it had become the center of the growing Soravian Sugar empire.

As Euclean calls for Bahian abolition grew throughout the world, Vinalian planters remained ironed to their positions, fearing a general Soravian outlaw of Bahian slavery and serfdom. The Soravian Empire suffered a major famine in 1797, usually stated as the beginning of the end for the empire. The famine began a period of migration into the colony, as indentured servants and free men flooded Vinalia, calls for abolition grew both in Velkarichka and Samistopol, as many saw slaves as furthering large plantations and hoarding land from former indentured servants and free men. In 1800 Soravia outlawed the importation of slaves, ending Vinalias role in the Transvehemens slave trade, this compromised satisfied Vinalian planters who now began to take advantage of the thousands of Soravian serfs arriving to the country. Colonial violent opposition which had seen many rumor a possible colonial revolution lay quiet when in 1812, Soravia silently outlawed Bahian slavery. Many former slaves were forced into indentured servitude akin to those offered to Zapoyans and Úuchmáans already. This along with the sell of indentured servant contracts from Chistovodia allowed Vinalia to continue its agricultural production.

Late Colonial Vinalia (1800-1865)

Kantemoshan immigrants boarding a ship bound for Vinalia in 1824

As Soravian influence and power declined, Vinalia increasingly traded away from Soravia with Vinalian grown, packaged, and sold sugar being sold in Euclea. The use of indentured servants allowed Vinalian sugar to once again outcompete its rivals in the continent. Chistovodia which had begun to industrialize in 1830 increasingly relied on Cotton for its textile mills, large scale plantations and small landowners had begun to slowly grow Cotton since the invention of the Cotton gin in the 1790's primarily for export to Euclea. Chistovodian textile mills began buying Vinalian cotton in great quantities, and Vinalian sugar which had peaked in 1829, began a slow decline as cotton production took hold of the country primarily north of the Bin river. Soravia which had seen its stability challenged at home, increasingly granted autonomy to its colonial authorities, and relaxed restrictions on trade and commerce. Vinalian elites saw the turmoil in newly independent Ardesia as a warning not to pursue independence specially in the face of lessening restrictions, and greater autonomy. This period saw immigration to Vinalia reach its peak, between 1790 and 1880, close to 600,000 migrants moved into Vinalia primarily Soravian minorities such as Kantemoshans, Ambrazkans, and Vedmedis. Gowsas from the Aguda Empire likewise arrived to the country to work. Much of this labor was directed at the growth of cotton and other agricultural products. This period also saw the construction of railroads to connect the growing cities of the colony.

Although much of the Asterias had become independent by the 1830's, aspirations for independence were limited, as Vinalians benefited from its ability to export unimpeded with the rest of the world, and enjoyed Soravian military protection. However the situation in Soravia worried Vinalian businessmen, who in 1847 successfully petitioned and were granted a colonial assembly. The Vinalian Assembly increasingly took over responsibilities and sidelined Samistopol. The War of the Triple Alliance saw the Assembly take control of the military responsibilities of the colony, and increasingly cooperate with the Chistovodian Assembly. The revolt of the Zalyk armies in 1857 and the start of the First Soravian Civil War, plunged the Soravian economy. The civil war led many to call for immediate secession, and independence. Vinalian and Chistovodian assemblies agreed to act in mutual interest to ensure the best outcome, initially striking a deal with Eduard Olsov and his Seven Province Union in their revolt against the monarchy, in exchange Home rule and vast autonomy was promised. Although few royalists existed in the country, colonial support remained primarily supplying food and materials to the rebels.

Following their victory in 1861, Vinalia and Chistovodia requested the privileges granted to them by prior negotiations, after Olsov refused and instead tried to remove the autonomy and freedoms both assemblies had gained in the previous 20 years. Although support for the monarchy had been limited previously, support for remaining in Soravia remained high, both Vinalian and Chistovodian assemblies met in Varva on June 1862 to discuss the growing control Samistopol held in the country, both assemblies agreed to act unilaterally and oppose further restrictions. Colonial petitions were not heard, and following an increase in taxes and the arrival of 3,000 Soravian troops in New Samistopol on August 1863, fears of an eventual abolition of the assemblies and heavy handed control by Olsov which had increasingly grown authoritarian following his victory in Soravia. Led to another congress in Varva where both assemblies voted on independence the 1st of September, 1863 and the establishment of a federal republic between both countries. Thus starting the Chistovodian War of Independence.

Republic of Vinalia (1885-1935)

Steamboat in a sugar plantation near Catherinsk 1889

Kokhineal майно near New Samistopol in 1895

The Bloody decade (1909-1922)

The rapid industrialization and population growth saw increasing Overcrowding, Race riots, and unsanitary conditions in the industrial cities of the north along with long hours, and low pay created tensions in the cities. Such conditions resulted in the 1906 election, where the Federal-Democrats struggled to find much support for incumbent Rostyslav Nechuy which had become increasingly unpopular following a major scandal on October prior to the November election. The election saw the Episemialist Democrats returning to power under Davyd Dragomanov a young and wealthy businessman and son of Kirenian immigrants, his immigrant background was essential in securing his victory. Having run on a campaign to introduce comprehensive sanitary regulations, along with intentions to construct vast housing developments for working families, along with promises to aid agricultural workers. Such reforms were greatly successful in improving the sanitary conditons of cities, but Dragomanov encountered issues with the rest of his promises, this along with increasing demands by workers made Dragomanov a divisive figure. Facing Markiyan Kopyl's brother, Igor on the Federal-Democratic ticket in 1910, Dragomanov used the strong economy and low unemployment along with criticizing Igor's age who stood at 71, and his lack of experience. Dragomanov won the 1910 election despite increasing tension in the country.

The Vinalian Section of the Workers International (VSWI), first established in 1904 in the Congress of the Workers' International. The VSWI grew from around 3,000 members in 1904 to close to 50,000 in 1910, the VSWI was seen as the most radical and largest of the "4 Pillars of Workers", including the Vinalian Workers Union (VWU), Association of Freed Serfs (AFS), and League of Working Women (LWW). The 4 Labour Organizations counted close to 100,000 members and 95% of all unionized workers, and represented the driving force in Vinalian organized labor, with 90% of its members in cities and 95% of them located north of the Bin river, the primary industrial region of Vinalia. These organizations led the first major General strike in 1910, when they called for a week of strike on June 15th, 1911. The 1911 strike paralysed the country, and Dragomanov was forced to end the strike by force by deploying soldiers to Northern cities. Workers demands increasingly grew, and following a major race riot in Ivanovo directed at Satrian immigrants, immigrants flocked to the VWU and VSWI. Numerous strikes occured for the rest of Dragomanov's presidency, with the largest involving 35,000 people on a 3 day strike led by the LWW in Chervona. The most prominent however was the 1913 Orlavo General Coal Strike, which saw Vinalian coal workers numbering 25,000 and aided by workers from other cities blockading major interceptions in the city and paralyzing the city, demanding a minimum wage, and better working conditions. Dragomanov sent 2,000 soldiers into the city to return the city into normality on February 11th, 3 days into the strike. After reports of stones and shots, the army charged strikers with horses, leading to a 3 day battle in the city as soldiers and police searched for strike leaders and members. The so called Battle of Orlavo led to the deaths of over 300 people including 15 soldiers which were ambushed by makeshift militias. The arrival of more troops ended the strike and resistance. Between 1909 and 1922 it is estimated that over 3,000 died in labour dispute related issues, leading to the time period being called the bloody decade.

Mounted soldiers breaking up the 1913 Orlavo General Coal Strike

The Depression of 1913 decimated Vinalias economy as the export of Agricultural, and Mineral products collapsed, as Euclean economies throttled down. Plantation owners who could no longer sell their product laid off Trudivnk's en masse, while factories stopped producing industrial goods leading to greater unemployment, 15,000 workers had been laid off between October and December 1913. By October 1914 the Vinalian economy had lost 1/5th of its size, and unemployment stood at 30%. As former Trudivnk's made their ways into cities, and small Mайно owners were foreclosed by Vinalian and international banks or bought by larger Mайноs, the cities increased population exponentially between 1913 and 1920, with close to 300,000 people moving into cities. The migration led to worse conditions than in the early 1900s and labour unions increased exponentially in size and intensity. Dragomanov had intended to seek a 3rd term while the depression impacted the country, an already contested election resulted in Federal-Democrat Avhust Martynova being elected in a landslide.

Martynova a wealthy Cotton plantation owner, introduced in February 1914 subsidies to aid the agricultural sector in selling staple goods such as Wheat, and Corn while maintaining low prices. The government however was relying on a global increase in imports of Vinalian cash crops, as economies exited the depression, but global demand had not improved, and the Vinalian government had been forced into debt to cover the subsidies. The Vinalian government was unable to contend with the rising costs of subsidies and its dwindling supply of Gold, faced with the prospect of default, the Vinalian government ended the subsidies on June 1915, resulting in the economy collapsing again. Vinalian farms lost so much value that the wool used in sacks to transport coffee and cotton were worth more than the crop itself, thousands of tons of sugar, cotton, and coffee were dumped into rivers or set on fire, to increase their price. By December 1915 37% of Vinalians were unemployed the highest percentage in history. The second collapse of the economy led to renewed urban desperation. On March 10th, 1916 200 people died following a fire in an overcrowded food bank, with signs of starvation, Vinalians usually died asphyxiated waiting on food banks, while many succumbed to starvation while on breadlines.

The VSWI led major national protests against the government, demanding a change in government policy, and new elections. The Functionalist group Vinalian League of Nationalists (VLN), had risen to 20,000 members and fighting between VSWI and VLN members were common, on June 11th, 1916, 39 people were murdered in street brawls throughout Catherinsk. Martynova was targeted by the VSWI for his perceived inability to solve the crisis, in a political rally in Jangorod the 29th of June, 1916. Martynova was shot by a VSWI revolutionary. Vice-President Barat Ukhtostrovskie took control of the government and led a combined government effort to crackdown on the VSWI, leading to the first Red Scare in Vinalia. Between June 1916 and October 1917, close to 5,000 VSWI leaders and members had been arrested for "Anti-Vinalian" activities. Ukhtostrovskie was able to prevent Vinalian default by increasing deficit spending, and the printing of millions of Banknotes which devalued the Zolota. Although Ukhtostrovskie had prevented the economy from collapse, and recovery had begun slowly primarily as the price of Coffee rebounded do to the extreme measures to curtail production, Ukhtostrovskie was highly unpopular and declined to run in 1918 as Episemialist Democrat, Konai Shwetz won the election. Konai moved swiftly against the VLN, and had arrested close to 3,000 of its member along with outlawing their paramilitary units which had terrorized Ardesians in the country. Konai attempted to bring worker unions and the VSWI back into the fold, as he sought a temporal stoppage to strikes and labor actions as the economy recovered. Konai had reached some minor agreements with the VSWI which saw the release of numerous political prisoners, and introducing a minimum wage this efforts resulted in no major strikes or labor movements in 1919, as the economy recovered. By 1920 only 25% of Vinalians remained unemployed, do to a rise in prices for agricultural goods, the introduction of agricultural subsidies aided additionally.

Sketch of miners in Vunet, a week before the massacre

Shwetz enjoyed great popularity and support, but major coal strikes in the north of the country created tension. Shwetz after having negotiated with both the local union and the VSWI could not end the strike in the Coal town of Vunet in Rigalia. After 3 months the Vinalian army was deployed to the town, and after confusion the army fired and massacred 124 workers and their families, forcefully ending the strike. The Vunet Massacre soured the rest of Shwetzs term in office, as the army became used more extensively as the threat of violence forcefully ended strikes in the country. Shwetz likewise could not contain the rise of Functionalist Ardesia whose leader Dinis Montecara increasingly irredentist platform in regards to the Vinalian held lands south of the Chyhyryn river. His Federal-Democratic opponent Dymtro Antonov attacked his weak stance and dwindling support. Shwetz was unable to quell popular opposition, specially in the face of an again dwindling economy, losing decisively to Antonov. Antonov quickly introduced vast spending into the government nearly doubling its budget, Antonov doubled Vinalias army, and focused on the threats of violence to ensure worker compliance. The VSWI which had reached its strongest position suffered in 1924 from the revolution in Kirenia, as VSWI support dwindled. Antonov which had begun investing in the Vinalian Armed forces in an attempt to dissuade Ardesia, only managed to increase tensions. Major Vinalian military exercises on July 1925 around Catherinsk lent Ardesia the pretense to invade Vinalia. On 9 July 1925, Ardesia invaded Vinalia, sparking the Chyhyryn War.

Chyhyryn War (1925-1926)

The main article for this category is Chyhyryn War.

Southern Catherinsk after the Vinalian retreat in September 1925.

On the 19th of July 1925, over 400,000 soldiers of the Ardesian army under Alberte Goulart crossed the border and attacked Vinalian forces. Although the Vinalian army was amassed in the south, it was not prepared to engage the use of armored vehicles, for which the Vinalian army had virtually no ability to counter. Vinalian units in the New Lipa salient were quickly cut off and the city was captured on the 21st of July, 10,000 Vinalian soldiers were caught in a pocket outside the town, while 15,000 were caught in the center near the town of Mesk after Ardesian armored pincers encircled them. In all 34,000 Vinalian soldiers were caught by the initial offensive, with the rest of the army successfully crossing the Chyhyryn river, and establishing strong points in Velkarichka, and Catherinsk. Velkarichka had been evacuated by the 25th of July, as Ardesian artillery began falling on the city. Remaining Vinalian soldiers south of the Chyhyryn would surrender on the 3rd of August, with 30,000 soldiers taken prisoners.

Vinalian forces utilized the Chyhyryn river as a defensive site and reinforced Catherinsk, which became the focal point of the Ardesian offensive. On August 1st, Ardesian planes began bombing Catherinsk in the first use of Strategic bombing, which leveled the city. Ardesian troops began fighting for the southern bank portion of Catherinsk on the 3rd. While an attempted river crossing in Velkarichka and the town of Myrne, which Vinalian forces were able to easily repel. The Vinalian navy which had been brought to New Samistopol a week before the invasion, was struck on August 13th, as the government had also evacuated to the city. The Vinalian navy was decisively crippled, and could not be used to counter Ardesian attempts to isolate Vinalia, from prospective allied shipments of aid.

Vinalian soldiers on Velkarichka in September.

Ardesian forces were involved in brutal urban fighting for the southern bank of Catherinsk, and after gaining a landing spot in Velkarichka on the 6th of September, fighting for the city commenced. Vinalian forces retreated from the southern bank of Catherinsk on the 20th of September to the more defensible northern bank, but were unable to conduct an orderly retreat allowing Ardesia an undamaged bridge across the Chyhyryn, and 3,000 Vinalian prisoners. Brutal fighting continued in both cities, while Ardesian bombers began attacking cities as north as Casimirsk, and Chervona. The Vinalian government pondered a move to Orlavo, but feared that such a move would indicate the abandonment of the south. Ardesian forces struggled to advance in Velkarichka, but the city was bombed liberally by Ardesia, which it did not intend to occupy. The collapse of Vinalian lines on the 1st of November in the city allowed 1/3 of the city to fall to Ardesian troops, which utilized the bridgehead to bring armored vehicles into the city. The Ardesian high command focused its activities on Velkarichka, and had by the 5th expanded their control, with the Velkarichka Palace falling to Ardesian commandos on the 7th. Vinalian casualties holding the city increasingly outweighed its strategic value, prompting the Vinalian government to abandon most of the city on the 10th of November, holding only the suburbs and pulling back the line north of the city to the Shyroniy river. The Vinalian army had suffered 15,000 casualties holding the city to the Ardesian 10,000.

Vinalian spies had identified a large Ardesian fleet and amphibious force, and expected an attack on New Samistopol or Orlavo, to cut off the Varva route of supplies utilized by the AFR, and Soravia to reinforce the Vinalian army, following an agreement between Chistovodian socialists, and the Antonov government. The invasion force however invaded the lightly defended Kishark on the 15th of November 1925, some 10,000 Ardesian troops invaded the island which was at the time defended by 4,000 soldiers. The island would be completely occupied by the end of the month. Vinalian forces increasingly struggled to hold the line brief section of land opened up by the fall of Velkarichka, and it became a focal center of the Vinalian line.

Vinalian Revolution (1930-1935)

Vinalian socialists north of Jangorod in 1932

The peace was seen as an absolute failure of the Antonov government. Merkushko and Tychinka criticized Antonov for certain aspects of the peace, while the Socialists criticized the abandonment of the Grand Alliance. As support for Antonov collapsed within the electorate and his party, general elections were called for November. Generals Mykhaylo Baibuza, and Eric Hodza both war heroes resigned from their posts in August and entered the Presidential race. Vinalian soldiers which were bound by the treaty to remain 10 days march away from retreating Ardesian forces, looted, and burned Ardesian property throughout the newly returned territory, with families with Ardesian like last names being targeted despite having lived in Vinalia since the 1600's. Baibuza and Hodza represented army veterans, with Baibuza leading the Velkarichka League of Combat Veterans, with Hodza the Casimirsk League of Veterans. Baibuza a staunch anti-Socialist called for renewal of the war with Ardesia and a purge of all Socialists in the country. Hodza, a Vinalian nationalist called for the continuation of the war and the destruction of Ardesia and its people, citing historical precedent to justify their destruction. The 1930 elections were officially won by Hennadiy Merkushko, but the results were contested, as accusations of fraud were brought up by all parties. The elections are commonly considered to have been fraudulent. Merkushko was inaugurated on the 12th of November following Antonovs resignation having just won 23% of the vote. Merkushko quickly desiring to unite the Vinalian center-right aligned made Tychinka his Vice-president, which angered the Velkarichka League as Baibuza had earned the 2nd highest number of votes. The Socialists in opposition to Merkushko's fraudulent victory declared the People's Republic of Vinalia on the 23rd of November with Mykyta Kryvonis as President. Starting the First Vinalian Civil War or the Vinalian Revolution.

Socialist forces in the army defected, and heavy street fighting in cities such as Morechia, and Chervona began between Socialist and government forces. Baibuza and his league remained outside of government forces, but operating in conjunction, the Casimirsk League was involved in heavy fighting with both socialist and government forces. Both leagues conducted clandestine purges of suspected socialists in numerous cities, with suspected socialists shot or defenestrated from buildings, over 40 suspected socialists were defenestrated on Orlavo in December alone. The Vinalian Army made up of battle hardened veterans collapsed as thousands joined opposing factions of the war, and many abandoned their posts. Orlavo which had served as the capital of the republic do to the war moved to New Samistopol, as advancing Socialist forces sieged the city, taking it by February 1931 following its evacuation. By July 1931, heavy fighting had mostly stopped in most of the country as Socialist forces were restricted to areas north of the Red River.

Merkushko was assassinated by an Ardesian sympathizer on October 1931, putting Tychinka as president. Tychinka ended the conflict with the Casimirsk League bringing them into the state apparatus, as death squads patrolled the countryside looking for Ardesian supporters and Socialists. The war remained mostly quiet, as both sides built strength. The defeat of Ardesia at the hands of the Grand Alliance on February 1932, led to Vinalia invading Ardesia and reconquering the land lost to the treaty of Velkarichka, although no major fighting occurred as Ardesian forces had been severely defeated. The victory, and reconquest of territory allowed Republican forces to restart fighting, and launch an assault on Chervona in August. Republican forces successfully defeated Socialist forces around Chervona along with inflicting heavy casualties, and recapturing the city. By the middle of September the attack had stalled owing to heavy rains, during this time Socialist forces rebuilt their lines along with receiving shipments of aid from Chistovodia. Socialist forces successfully launched an offensive into Republican lines and isolating 15,000 soldiers in Chervona. The Third Battle of Chervona would see the Republican forces routed, with 9,000 casualties for both sides and a decisive Socialist victory.

Socialist artillery firing at Chervona

Socialist forces were able to roll back Republican forces and push south of the Red River, with advanced units entering Jangorod in December 1932. Socialist forces were only stopped by supply line issues south of the Red river near the Bin river and Casimirsk. Socialist forces rebuilt strength securing Casimirsk and Jangorod by March, securing the entirety of the Bin river. Socialists resumed fighting on April and quickly broke through Republican lines, encircling and capturing 5,000 soldiers outside of Bykove on April 20th. Fearing an imminent Republican collapse, Mykhaylo Baibuza launched a military coup the 27th of April removing Tychinka and placing himself as president. Baibuza successfully stopped Socialist forces, halfway to New Samistopol. Republican assaults on Socialist forces would move the front line north, although by July 1933 the front had largely stagnated. Republican forces benefited as Eldmark, and Rizealand provided former Ardesian weaponry to the Republican forces, allowing Baibuza to launch a Christmas offensive that year, pushing the front line further north but ultimately both sides settled into trenches. A ceasefire was agreed to on April 1934, and fighting stopped. Vinalia had been in a constant state of war for 9 years, and no official peace treaty would be signed until 1942.

Vinalian Struggle (1935-1992)

Reunification

The peace of 1987 was seen as a new beginning in Vinalian politics but few held beliefs of reunification between both North and South Vinalia. Zinchenko entered into limited agreements with Danylivna, allowing the passage of citizens between both countries, and the reopening of the Kosteniv Economic Zone. Danylivna agreed with Zinchenko not to increase military spending between both Vinalias, which was seen as a major improvement. Zinchenko suffered from internal infighting in the VSWI, as hardliners opposed the peace deal achieved with the South, and moderates attacked him for having driven the south to attack the North. Oleksandr Artemovych an up and coming general was gaining wide support, as he was more open to the idea of reunification of the South. Chistovodia gave support to the idea, and Zinchenko struggled to maintain control of the VSWI. Instead of facing a vote of no confidence, Zinchenko resigned and Artemovych was elected as Minister-President on January 30th.

Artemovych believed that Vinalia could be reunified, and that North Vinalia was in a position to benefit from closer relations with the south or downright reunification. In June 1988, Artemovych entered into an agreement with Danylivna to reduce South Vinalias war reparations but allowed North Vinalia access to South Vinalian raw resources. South Vinalia had suffered extensive economic damage due to the war, and the country suffered from strikes and work stoppages. The Episemialists opposed further concessions and Danylivna struggled to pass legislation. Both leaders met on the 1989 Regular Session of the Organization of Asterian Nations between December 14-15 in Nassea, Gapolania, both had arrived to Nassea on the 10th to begin discussions. These 5 days were later called the Nassea meetings. On December 15 Danylivna who had been invited to speak in the session invited Artemovych in the Nassea Address where both leaders stated their intentions to reunify the country.