Delamarian Empire
Empire of Delamaria | |
---|---|
1852–1865 | |
Capital | Labrador |
Emperor | |
• 1852-1865 | George Alexander I |
• 1865-1865 | George Alexander II |
President | |
• 1852-1860 | Nicholas Harrison |
• 1860-1865 | Richard Johnson |
Legislature | Commonwealth Congress |
Senate | |
House of Delegates | |
History | |
• Established | 1 December 1852 |
• Disestablished | 2 November 1865 |
|
The Delamarian Empire was a country and historical era of Delamaria lasting from 1852 to 1865.
In 1852 Nicholas Harrison was elected President of Delamaria. Prior to the formation of Delamaria Harrison was a monarchist and advocated for Delamaria to be an Empire, remaining under the House of Bohun-Odell which had ruled the Kingdom of Labradoria. Harrison said that he supported the idea of Delamaria becoming a constitutional monarchy during his Presidential Campaign, however he never said that he would go ahead with the idea. Later in 1852 he invited the then Grand Baron of Wittelsburg-Hampdorf, and head of the House of Bohun-Odell, George Alexander Bohun-Odell to Pritchett House to discuss the possibility of restoration.
In December 1852 the Empire was proclaimed with George Alexander as Emperor and King of Labradoria. Philipe of Briselle, the grandson of King Charles of Lysia Columbia, was proclaimed the new King of Lysian Columbia. The proclimation was recieved with mixed opinions both domestically and internationally. With a majority of public support in Delamaria based on belief that this would improve the economic situation, which had been worsening since the 1830s. Some republics around the wurld expressed distain for this, as Delamaria was previously a prime example of a democratic state. President Harrison remained in his position however, and refused to change his title to Prime Minister as was suggested by King Philipe.
The new Empire had major overseas expansionist ambitions, setting up several Colonial Companies, which claimed lands from Alharu to Thalassa for Delamaria, though the Emperor was keen to keep the peace in Argis. In 1856 Delamaria annexed the Kingdom of Nassaua, later proclaiming it the Duchy of Nassaua as a constituent state of the empire. This was seen as a great victory domestically, and was heavily lobbied for by Delamarian trading companies, which had faced tarriffs in Nassaua.
Upon the death of George Alexander in September 1865, his son George Alexander II was crowned the new Emperor. George, who saw his father was a weak leader, and continuously told his father to persue expansionist policies such as an invasion of Fravina and the Brux lands between Delamaria and Velaheria, immediately began putting his plans into action. Within the first week of hsi reign he gathered political and military leaders to begin persuing his ambitions. King Philippe of Lysian Columbia objected to George Alexander's plans, and didnt allow Lysian Columbian forces to partake in George Alexanders plans. This enraged the new Emperor, who quickly marched his armies to Briselle and Alberta, and imposed martial law in the region, whilst declaring himself King-Protector of Lysian Columbia, stripping Phillipe of his title and forcing him into exile.
By the beginning of November public opinion was against the Emperor, and disgruntled generals within the army posed a threat to George Alexander's rule. Realising this, he sent a loyal force to the army headquarters in New Bedford, to round up several generals George Alexander believed to be conspiring against him. This outraged much of the military high command, which later ordered their armies to stop preparing for George Alexander's war, and march to Felderling, where they would confront the emperor. President Harrison also joined their cause, after Imperial Proclomations slowly stripped him of his power, leaving him a democratically elected figurehead.
Once they reached Felderling the palace was in panic, and George Alexander was forced by his loyalists to solely walk to the army quickly surrounding the palace, and surrender himself. Though the army initially had little intention to depose the Emperor, President Harrison, who was travelling with a few generals, convinced them that they should take advantage of his surrender to reimpose the status quo of before Imperial rule. However there were still loyalist sentiment across the country, and a complete deposition, and possible execution as some extremists called for, would have likely lead to civil conflict. Therefore the Bohun-Odell's would be allowed to retain the Grand Barony of Wittelsburg-Hampdorf.