User:Lee Allen

Venezia at a Glance
The Grand Duchy of Venezia is an Autocratic Ducal State whose population is over 80% Italian. It was founded in August, 2008, and its current state religion is Voodoo. (The official state religion has changed several times over Venezia's history. Voodoo was reinstated after a public outcry for a return to more traditional Venetian values). The Duchy is ruled by a hereditary line of Dukes, namely, the Noble House of Sensibaugh, which is a Rhinish line by origin, but has maintained Venetian nationality for many generations. Venizia has gained worldwide acclaim for its production of sugar, silver, and fine jewelry. Venezia strives to maintain neutrality in warfare, as its primary national goal is international banking, though war is an option. Venezia has an open border immigration policy.

Statistics
(as of the census of 12/8/08)

Capital City: Venice// State Religion: Voodoo// Government: Monarchy/Ducal Autocracy// Population: 7617// National Resources: Sugar & Silver// National Currency: Swiss Franc// Alliance Affiliation: Ragnarok (ROK854)

History
On the 30th of August, 2008, facing the very real threat of the ultimate flooding of Venice, due to the rising waters of the Adriatic Sea, and with no help in sight from the Global community, let alone the Italian Government, the citizens of Venice became the first nation of the 21st Century to insight a banking revolution. Christened the Voodooan Revolt (as it is believed that many of the driving members behind the movement were secretly practitioners of Voodoo) the free people of Venice pooled their money, and under the guidance of a young, Rhinish banking maverick, Lee Allen du Sensibaugh II, were able to purchase the islands of Venice, and, thus, independence from Italy. However, this proved to be the easiest part of the long struggle of the re-instated Grand Duchy of Venezia. With their newly purchased freedom, the people of Venezia faced an ensuing juggernaut of problems. After the $7.8 billion purchase, the nation and its people were bankrupt. The city of Venice herself was crumbling and mildewed, the Harbor had been closed due to lack of funding, there was no way to maintain any of the existing infrastructure, including electricity and running water, and the people quickly became locked in a heated and frenzied debate over the leadership of the foundling nation. Monsieur du Sensibaugh, quickly emerged the victor of the debate, largely in part due to his uncanny bargaining skills that enabled the Venetian people to purchase the city. In early September, that same year, M. du Sensibaugh was named Il Premiere Nuevo Doge (The First New Duke).

Doge Lee Allen (affectionately called Doge Leelee I) tackled the towering economic quagmire with veracity and cunning, equal only to his dealings with the Italian Govt. in the earlier purchase of the islands. Acting quickly, Il Doge attracted the interest of several foreign powers in, what has been internationally referred to as, the Black Market, and through several lucrative technological and banking contracts, was able to acquire the funds necessary to begin the restoration of the justly named, legendary Queen of Cities.

100 Days/CN years later, thanks to The Bedrock Banking Foundation founded by Doge Lee Allen I, the Grand Duchy of Venezia has built itself into a precocious banking magnate. The city of Venice, herself, has been fully restored to her former glory and the duchy has expanded (through continual land purchases from the European community) to include the former nations of Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, San Marco, Monaco, Lichtenstein, Southern Germany, Eastern France, Northern Corsica, Western Hungary, and all of Northern and Central Italy.