Belkan Revolution
| Part of the Astyrian Revolutions 1921-1928 | |
 Crowd gathered along the Marienplatz in Dinsmarck during the early days of Revolution. | |
| Location | former Belkan Empire |
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The Belkan Revolution was a period of political and social revolution that took place in the former Belkan Empire in the aftermath of the Great Astyrian War. This period saw Belka abolish its monarchy and adopt a socialist form of government following a long and brutal civil war.
Background
Sudentor Riots
On May 1, 1919 tensions over workers conditions came to a boiling point in the industrial city of Sudentor, prompting workers to leave their factories and go on strike. In response, police arrived on the scene to arrest the ring leaders, only to be repelled by the growing number of strikers. As news that the police were forced to retreat spread, other workers from nearby factories - now emboldened by the victories of the workers, joined in the strike.
Fearing a larger rebellion, the Imperial Army was called in to disperse the swelling crowds. Upon arrival, soldiers saw striking workers waving communist flags above the Belkan flag, and arguments and fighting broke out between the workers and the soldiers. Eventually, shots rang out, and several workers were killed before the others fled. The army marched back to their barracks, only to be called out a day later to face an even larger strike, as outraged workers descended into the city. This second strike saw the workers overwhelm the local garrison, leading to widespread unrest, rioting, and looting throughout the city for several days before outside soldiers could arrive and quell the violence.
The Sudentor Riots were pivotal in Belka, as they dramatically emboldened the actions of the revolutionaries, and shook the confidence in the military and royal family for many Belkans.
Great Astyrian War
Belka loses land to Arstotska. As a result, the people are furious, and blame the monarchy.
Revolution
Storming of Gründer Castle
Tensions rise, things get spicy on the streets, the Royal Guard shuts the castle gates, the people take it as the monarch abandoning the people, the communists attack an armory for weapons and lay siege for a week before storming the place. The more radical elements wanting to exterminate the bloodline, the Royal Guard fights to the last man allowing the royal family to escape through secret tunnels. A moderate communist, Paul Pieck proclaims the founding of the Belkan People's Republic in front of a cheering mob of thousands against the backdrop of the burning castle.
Royal family go into hiding among noble families and commoners making their way to the coast before stowing away on a friendly ship to good ole Liberty City, Caprica.
Belkan Civil War
Following the proclamation by Pieck, the remaining heads of government in the Belkan Reichstag declared Pieck to be committing treason, and ordered his arrest. The Imperial Army sides with the Reichstag, and the country fractures into two halves - a conservative north, and a socialist, industrialized south.