History of J Andres

J Andres is a small nation on the east coast of North America. It was founded in 1981 and has risen and fallen numerous times throughout the course of history. It once spanned most of the eastern seaboard and was one of the most influential nations in North America. Internal struggles brought the country to collapse numerous times.

Pre-Andrean North America

Prior to the 1973, North America consisted primarily of three nations Canada, the United States, and Mexico. That year, a global economic collapse was triggered by an oil embargo, leading to soaring inflation, widespread unrest, and the dissolution of multiple governments. In the United States, public confidence has already been severely eroded by the Watergate scandal surrounding President Richard Nixon. Massachusetts, the only state to vote against Nixon in 1972, was the first to declare independence under Governor Francis Sargent, declare its independence. Other states soon followed, including Rhode Island under Governor Philip Noel. By early 1974, the United States had effectively ceased to exist. Across the world, large nations devolved into smaller independent republics and micronations.

Rhode Island, geographically small and tightly knit, remained mostly intact during this period of fragmentation. However, its government was far from stable. In 1974, Noel was replaced by Leandro Ricci, a populist governor widely believed to have been controlled by the Patriarca crime family. Under Ricci, the region was rebranded as "The Maritime Colony of Rhode Island."

Ricci's Maritime Colony endured a chaotic nine-year existence, marked by rampant organized crime and nominal political order. Crime syndicated filled the power vacuum left by the collapse of national authority, providing a form of stability in exchange for loyalty and silence. In Rhode Island, Ricci proved popular, particularly among those who welcomed the restored order. He was re-eleected in 1976, 1978, and 1980. However, his rule ended abruptly in September 1981, under circumstances that remain murky. It was during the same month that Josef Mercton, a previously little-known military officer stationed at Fort Farnum, declared the birth of a new nation, J Andres.

The Merctonian Era (1981-1988)

President General Josef Mercton shortly after his nomination to the position of President in 1981

The Merctonian Era marks the founding and consolidation of J Andres. Josef Mercton's rise to power began in the autumn of 1981. His early leadership was defined by charisma, military control, and calculated myth-making. While some historians debate the precise moment the Republic was born, Mercton and several allies from Fort Farnum declared J Andres's independence on September 23, 1981.

Initially holding the rank of Colonel in the Rhode Island Colony Militia, Mercton quickly positioned himself as the unifying figure of a struggling nation. Despite questions surrounding his background, his grip on power solidified through symbolic victories and a strong central narrative.

In 1986, Mercton crowned himself King of J Andres and its Empire formalizing a monarchy that continues to this day. Though he served as President for less than six years, his legacy endures through the nation and structure he helped design, the wars he led, and the political dominance and persistence of his children. His son, Richard Mercton, served as the sixth President (2016-2032) and his daughter, Stephanie, ascended the throne in 2032, continuing his dynasty over fifty years after his appointment as President.

The Early Wars

One of Mercton's earliest acts as national leader was to forge unity through external action. On September 28, 1981, merely days after J Andres's founding, Mercton led a preemptive military trike on the neighboring micro state of Opustopia, igniting what would become known as the Initiation War.

The decisive engagement took place at Old Quarry Hill, where J Andres forces overwhlemed the disorganized Opustopian militia. The government of Opustopia collapsed, and its territory was annexed into J Andres. Mercton and his soldiers returned home as celebrated heroes, reinforcing his narrative as a defense and founder of the new republic.

The victory, however symbolic, provided a crucial psychological anchor for a nation still searching for an identity. Mercton's nomination to the presidency shortly followed, and with near-unanimous support, he became the face of J Andres.

Centuries after the nation's founding, EBC investigative reporter Grace While traced the battlefield of Old Quarry Hill to the actual location of a former Rhode Island State Police barracks. White found no record of an Opustopian government but did find record of an attack on the barracks that occurred on the same day, suggesting that the entire narrative of Opustopia may have been fabricated, and rather than a military engagement, the battle was a targeted assault on the remnants of the Rhode Island government, to accelerate its collapse and consolidate power.

In December of 1981, Josef Mercton decided once more to lead the nation into battle. The Australian Campaign would not be nearly as successful as the Initiation War. General Mercton commanded the troops to attack the Australian nation of Alirouvert, and the first wave was disaterous for the J Andres Army. Mercton ordered another strategic strike that was also unsuccessful. He blamed the failure on "Home Field Advantage." The troops retreated for the night to regroup and were awoken by a peace offering from the other side offering white peace. President Mercton wanted to keep his approval ratings, and learned that he must choose his battles carefully. Peace was accepted and J Andres returned home again.

The Commune and Prosperity

The Old J Andres Commune building in Endor Cuidad was the home of the J Andres Commune from the time of its construction in 1982 until the completion of the Adrik Annan Governmental Center in 2016

In 1982, the government switched from the authoritative leadership of Josef Mercton to a democratic republic. The nation would be lead by the Commune. The Commune would consist of democratically elected Senators. The citizens would also elect a President. The Commune would have all legislative duties, while the President would be charged with all executive duties. Endor Cuidad, the nearest city to Porto Georgiaville, was selected as the nation's capital.

The Economy of J Andres thrived after the establishment of the Commune. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Mickey Bethesda convinced the Commune to have J Andres enter the North Atlantic Defense Coalition. This alliance of nations provided for J Andres to grow rapidly through foreign funds. The money was invested in numerous infrastructure projects and the population boomed. Many of the major J Andres businesses were formed during 1982-1983, such as Ocean Side Aluminum, Woonsocket Wheat, Endor Petrofuel Processing, and JTech. In June of 1982, Josef Mercton was presented with the title of "President General," investing the full powers of government into the position of President. The title of President General, was intended for use when emergency powers were necessary, however, following the nation's great economic success, no one doubted the leadership of Josef Mercton. He only held the title for a few months before turning back power to the Commune.

The Merctonian Conflicts

Over the course of about one year beginning in October of 1982, J Andres was involved in three military conflicts. These conflicts are often grouped together and referred to collectively as "The Merctonian Conflicts."

The October Massacre

Colonel Ben Richards after the successful Orlando Offensives.

On October 27, 1982, The North Atlantic Defense Coalition was contacted by an allied alliance, Nordreich about a rogue alliance called the Sons of Liberty. J Andres agreed with many other NADC member nations and voted for war in the Atlantic Assembly. Just as President Josef Mercton had prepared the troops for battle, word of a Mutual Defense Pact between the Sons of Liberty and the International Communist Party immediately put the war plans on hold. The J Andres military was air dropped to the nation of Orlandostan under the command of a young Colonel Ben Richards. Colonel Richards lead the now famous "Orlando Offensives," and the military was extremely successful in looting military technology from the communist nation. The Sons of Liberty announced their surrender shortly after the Offensives, and Ben Richards returned to J Andres a war hero. Colonel Richards was later selected by the NADC to serve as the Commander of the 6th Multi-National Division. The October Massacre served to launch Ben Richards into power as he would later become President and a very influential political figure.

War of the Monkeys

Not long after the troops returned from the Orlandostan and the Orlando Offensives, the military was dispatched to help out a member nation of the NADC. While the troops fought overseas, the war was going extremely well. However, soon the rogue nation Monkeymanisland responded by attacking the city of Cranston. The battle raged for an entire month before J Andres managed to force the troops out of the city.

Terrorist Attack

On November 14, 1983, terrorists from the rogue nation of Freedomtopia attacked Fort Farnum and other military institutions of J Andres. 564 soldiers were killed in the terrorist attacks which would stand as the most devastating terrorist attacks on J Andres soil until the Nuclear Attack on Providence in 2033. President General Mercton negotiated with General Alfred Jones, the President of the Rogue state to receive reparations for the damage that was done. However, the reparations were never paid as Jones disappeared in the night and was never seen again.

1986 Red Revolt

President Jack Bosco only lasted in office for less than two years after his election.

On February 10, 1986, Communist Party leaders and members lead a revolt in Endor Cuidad. A wave of communist thought penetrated the city and seemingly out of nowhere, the Communists demanded attention. The formed a Red Army and stormed the buildings in the capital. They eventually stormed the Presidential Palace and forced President General Mercton to pass the necessary laws that would make J Andres a communist state. On December 20, the Nationalist Party and the Anchor Party formed a coalition to try to withhold power from the Communists. They decided to install Josef Mercton as a Monarch, and give the monarchy powers in the Commune. This would preserve some of the influence of the two parties. Mercton was crowned King on Christmas Day, 1986. During the elections in 1987, the Communist Party elected Jack Bosco as President. Bosco quickly rallied the troops to defend Endor Cuidad from the Nationalist-Anchor Coalition Army, who were prepared to fight back to retake the nation. However, over the course of the year, J Andres began to grow economically, and the Communist Party fell out of favor. During the middle of 1988 Jack Bosco lost the Presidency in a vote of no confidence.

The Richards Era (1988-2003)

President Ben Richards

Ben Richards was selected to serve as President following the vote of no confidence that removed Jack Bosco from office. The Richards Era is similar to the Merctonian Era in the fact that Richards influence was felt long after he left office. Ben Richards served as President for ten years, Premier of the Commune for five years, Minister of War and Defense for thirteen years, and was bestowed a hereditary peerage as the Duke of Boston in 1996. Richards was also the president that oversaw the construction of the J Andres nuclear arsenal, with the first weapon completed on his first day of office.

Richards was the founder of the Anchor Party and historians mark the end of his era of influence at 2003 with the election of Adrik Annan.

Democracy Now! Riots

Joel Brunel

On August 14, 1992, a fellow Atlantic Nation, the Kingdom of Miami saw violent protests begin to arise. These were caused by the political group, Democracy Now! A group of J Andres peacekeepers was sent into the Kingdom of Miami to help negotiate a compromise and keep the peace. One of the peacekeepers was actually a member of the National Liberation Army of J Andres and quickly ran away. This operative, Albert Aragi, turned the peaceful protests into violent protests and formed the Miami Liberation Army, which caused the destruction of numerous buildings. J Andres Peacekeeping Chief Joel Brunel has negotiated a compromise government when the building they were in was struck by a bomb. Joel was critically injured and ushered to a hospital. At the same time, the National Liberation Army began to cause a ruckus in Endor Cuidad as well, interfering with the State Dinner at the Presidential Palace and even a chemical attack on an elderly housing facility. An estimated 50 J Andres citizens were killed in the attacks and 100 NLA members were arrested.

The Macacan Conflict

General Roger Ahmadinejad

In late 1993, President Richards began expressing an interest in establishing an Australian colony called Porto Pacis. Richards eventually got the support required and General Roger Ahmadinejad was dispatched to lead the military to Australia to take the territory. Once construction began in Porto Pacis, reconnaissance reports began to paint the picture that the land wasn't uninhabited as originally thought. Troops of the Macacan Republic were forming at the border to invade Porto Pacis. President Richards insisted that Porto Pacis would be vital to the J Andres economic trade routes and insisted that war be declared, and it was, on April 23, 1994. Fighting on the ground lasted only a few days, but the Macacans continued to fight guerrilla warfare with some success. It wasn't until J Andres used two of its nuclear weapons that Macaca surrendered and the war was over. Macaca was placed under a Governorship until 2004, when the land was eventually ceded to the Promised Land as a result of the Porto Pacis Conference.

Retirement

President Alex Miller

Ben Richards declared that he would no longer run for office in 1998. In a surprising election, Minister of War and Defense Alex Miller defeated Minister of Foreign Affairs Adrik Annan. Alex Miller was also of the Anchor Party and continued many of the same programs that were instituted under Ben Richards. The Miller Presidency would also only last for about five years, leading most historians to consider the Miller Presidency as part of the Richards Era.

The Corporate Insurgency

Kangaroo Island was small nation that was off the coast of the colony of Porto Pacis. The island was rich with silver deposits that numerous J Andres corporations wanted access to. President Richards insisted and swore to protect the sovereignty of Kangaroo Island. It was invaded on July 3, 1998 by the Federation of Industry. The private security firm of Anchor Security fought against the J Andres military stationed at the island to protect it. The geography of the island worked against the J Andres military and the Andrean forces could not retake the island. The government of the Island fled to J Andres where they operated a Government-in-exile for many years, but never returned to their homeland.

The Collapse of J Andres (2003-2016)

President Adrik Annan

An early North American Map showing J Andres at its peak of growth, spanning much of eastern North America in the 1990's.

Adrik Annan is one of the most beloved leaders in J Andres history, and was cursed with serving as President during J Andres' darkest days. In 2004, a Global War did considerable damage to J Andres, including a nuclear strike on Atlantic City that decimated the J Andres Navy and killed countless civilians.

Many attribute the collapse of the first Maritime Republic of J Andres to the numerous land cessions that were authorized by President Annan. In the 1990's, J Andres controlled much of eastern North America and had the large holding of Porto Pacis in Australia. In 2007, Adrik Annan ceded the extremely large Mond district in the north, as well as the colony of Porto Pacis. Although these cessions were large, J Andres still had a sizable territory. However, in 2010, Annan ceded nearly everything that was left, leaving only the original area of the Maritime Colony of Rhode Island. J Andres was simply too small to survive. Countless years of infrastructure development in the outside areas were lost as J Andres reached its smallest size since 1981. The former territory was claimed by the Republic of New England. J Andres became a minor player in world affairs, and sometime in 2011 the Republic of New England seized control of J Andres.

J Andres Map after the 2007 land cessions.

The J Andres government continued to operate as a shadow of its former self, prominent only during parades. The former governor of the state during the Maritime Colony period, Donald Carcieri was reinstated as the New England Governor of the region. Carcieri had a long political career, originally elected in 1978 to the Rhode Island Governorship during the United States. Carcieri then served as the top political head in the region under three different nations. Carcieri also served as the Governor of Macaca during J Andres occupation of the territory.

The Era of Reformations (2016-2052)

J Andres had stood for nearly 30 years by the time it had fallen the first time in 2011. Over the next several years J Andres would resurge and disappear into obscurity numerous times, typically under a different member of the Mercton family.

President Richard Mercton

In 2016, The Republic of New England granted autonomy to J Andres, and President Richard Mercton reformed the nation as the Second Maritime Republic of J Andres. This reincarnation lasted about 9 years before dissolving into New England yet again. Eventually the New England government dissolved and united under the J Andres banner, forming the Third Maritime Republic of J Andres. This government ruled from 2025 to 2032 before it failed just as the other republics had failed before: for growing too large.

Queen Stephanie

In 2032, Stephanie Mercton ascended to the throne of J Andres, and declared independence for the fourth time. Queen Stephanie headed the transitional government until Roger Ahmadinejad was elected. The Queen promised not to grow the J Andres borders and the new nation was known as the Fourth Maritime Republic. However, Queen Stephanie was no more successful in building a stable nation then her brother was before her. Providence was attacked by a nuclear warhead in 2033 and the small government did not have the proper resources to weather the attack politically. The government fell into anarchy in 2035 yet again.

Prince Larry

In 2052, Prince Larry gathered the other royals together to discuss the reformation of the nation. Although the royals couldn't agree on the details of what the government of the Fifth Maritime Republic should look like, they agreed that Larry should serve as the Transitional Head of Government until the elections could take place at the end of the year. J Andres claimed the former states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut as it's domain, marking its largest size in about a quarter of a century. Prince Larry was assassinated shortly after declaring J Andres' existence, and Princess Katherine replaced him as the Transitional Head of the Government.

Richard's Rebellion (2057)

Richard Mercton had served as the President for many years, but the crown had always alluded him.

In 2057, members of the House of Mercton conspired to establish an imperial government and steal the throne from the House of Mercton-Kaled. Stephanie was the reigning Queen, and her brother, Richard, Earl of Providence had felt slighted ever since the Equal Primogeniture Act of 2009.

Richard and two of his children Benjamin, Earl of Mercton and Samantha, Countess of Lanier declared the Equal Primogeniture Act of 2009 invalid, and declared royal law in their respective provinces. The Mercton family dispatched the Kommissazul to keep order in the new Imperial Territories.

J Andres soon fractured into numerous divisions:

• The J Andres Empire - Controlled much of central J Andres. Recognized Richard as the Emperor of J Andres. Annan Enterprises supported the Imperial government and provided much of the financial and military support that the Empire needed to complete its conquest.
• The Grand Duchy of Boston - Originally neutral at the start of the conflict, this eastern area controlled by Benjamin, Duke of Boston had the military resources to keep the Imperial forces out. The elected J Andres government eventually sought refuge in Boston after Endor Cuidad was captured by the Imperials.
• The People's Maritime Republic - This Western region chose Governor Phillip Gordon as their leader and began a new communist government. Many in the People's Maritime Republic had no desire to return to the broken J Andres at the conclusion of the conflict; however, Communist Premier Nicholas Egorov ensured that many of the communist grievances were addressed when the Boston government convened to discuss the future of J Andres.

A Thames AH-12 helicopter in route to Endor Cuidad for the Imperial invasion

Jacob Cross led the imperial forces to Endor Cuidad on January 9, 2057. Many of the citizens had been previously evacuated. A government caravan carrying President Evan McDowell and other politicians was attacked around nightfall as the caravan was departing for Boston. Minister of War & Defense Anton Rasmussen was captured and taken prisoner.

After the invasion, The North American Commonwealth declared an no-fly zone over J Andres airspace. The no-fly took away the significant advantage that the imperials had with the attack helicopters.

On January 11, 2057, Imperial forces captured Newport. Princess Katherine and her children had already fled to the safety of Boston, but Queen Stephanie remained in Castle Real. Samantha murdered the Queen, and then murdered her brother Benjamin to place herself first in line to the new Imperial throne.

Katherine ascended to the throne of J Andres on November 2, 2057. Her coronation marks the official end of the Richard's Rebellion.

In Boston, Nicholas Egorov and Evan McDowell worked tirelessly to work out the differences between their ideologies. Once they found a common ground and came to an agreement, the People's Maritime Republic joined in arms against the Empire, attacking the factories of Annan Enterprises forcing Lady Maria Kensington to withdraw her forces to defend their assets in Rossingol.

The forces of the Grand Duchy of Boston slowly reclaimed territory captured by the Imperials, and attacked Newport on July 3, 2057. Lieutenant Thomas Malvern was leading a search group through the castle and captured Emperor Richard. Malvern was promptly made a General and commander of J Andres forces.

On October 17, 2057, the government amended the constitution to limit the power of the monarchy and the government resumed its official duties. The coronation of Katherine took place on November 1, 2057, marking the official end to the Richard's Rebellion.

The Vinsalian Conflict (2065-2067)

King Gabriel of Vinsalia

In 2064, the Kingdom of Vinsalia reformed. Prior to the Richard's Rebellion, Vinsalia had been a thorn in the side of J Andres, and a small border skirmish was a source of tension between the two nations. After the reformation of Vinsalia, Gabriel, King of Vinsalia invited Katherine, Queen of J Andres and her family, as well as the royal families of other nations of the world to Albany for a royal ball. There are unconfirmed reports that Gabriel requested that Katherine help to arrange a marriage between his sister and Alfred, Prince of Endor Cuidad. Katherine refused, and ten days later, Vinsalia closed its borders with J Andres.

Battle of Danbury

As tensions between J Andres and Vinsalia rose, the Triad of the North American Commonwealth, North Mexico, and California demanded that nations outside of North America not concern themselves with the conflict. This decree was issued due to the close relationship between J Andres and the Roman Federation. On January 3, 2065, Vinsalia would attack Endor Cuidad during the inauguration of President Emily Gibbons and the city of Danbury. The battle would rage in Danbury for approximately a month before a ceasefire was announced and a peace conference planned in Washington, the capitol of the North American Commonwealth.

The conference was a ploy by the Vinsalians to stall the war until they had a technological supremacy in the form of their air force. Minister of War and Defense Louis Kissinger suggested that intelligence agents could enter the Vinsalian embassy to confirm the suspicions. The plot was foiled and the agents were captured and sentenced to death in Vinsalia. J Andres launched a counteroffensive against Albany. Although the assault on Albany was initially successful, the tide turned against J Andres.

Battle of Boston

As the war began slipping out J Andres hands in late November 2066, New Quebec entered the fray. Prime Minister Robert Cabot cited Vinsalia's instability as their reasoning for entering on behalf of J Andres. Quebec captured the city of Burlington and then moved south. Vinsalia moved in towards Boston, in what would become the deadliest battle in the war. Vinsalian commander Lionel Sarkozy skillfully lead his army into the city after numerous unsuccessful crossings of the Charles River, and laid waste to large swatches of the city before running too thin and being forced to surrender on January 23, 2067.

J Andres and New Quebec moved towards New York City to end the war and force a Vinsalian surrender. The size of the allied army overwhelmed the Vinsalian defenses and a ceasefire was called to permit for a conference to discuss the terms of surrender. The treaty to end the war was called the Montreal Accords, and took place in Montreal, New Quebec. Vinsalia agreed to pay war reparations to J Andres and to surrender certain cruise missiles and aircraft for a period of ten years. Vinsalia also ceded the territory of New Hampshire and Vermont to New Quebec.

Grand Mexican War (2081-2085)

Prelude

In the years that followed the Vinsalian Conflict, the nations of North Mexico, North American Commonwealth, and California became increasingly hostile and imperialistic towards the other nations of North America. They pressured the collapse of the Navajo Union and supported the revolution leader Ernesto Espada, who established the SSR. A similar collapse with the Caribou Federation created the NSR. In 2080, the NAC annexed Las Islas Bellas, forcing great strains on the remaining Atlantic North American nations.

War

High Prince Fidel of Tikal

Due to pressures, Tikal declared war against Mexico, initiating what would become the Grand Mexican War. J Andres, Vinsalia, New Quebec, Rome, and Britian joined the side of Tikal.

The Caribou Federation was the first nation to fall, and Mexican troops pressed deep into Tikal. The allied forces were generally victorious in the Atlantic, but were very unsuccessful in Vinsalia, as Commonwealth troops completed a slow march through Vinsalia into Albany.

In 2085, Tikal became financially strained due to the long length of the war. General Ortega of the Tikal army surrendered his troops on January 8. Fidel, High Prince of Tikal was found guilty of war crimes two days later, and executed on January 12. Despite the Tikali surrender, the remainder of the Allies continued fighting.

Nuclear Conclusion

On May 20, 2085, the war ended abruptly after and outbreak of nuclear activity. It is generally believed a Tikali submarine launched the first attack, targeting various cities in Mexico. Within two minutes of launch, Mexico fired salvos at J Andres, New Quebec, and Vinsalia. The allied forces aimed at the Commonwealth, California, the NSR and SSR. The entire nuclear portion of the war lasted approximately two hours, but each nation decayed into immediate anarchy. The nuclear attacks were not limited to North America, as the other continents were provoked to some extent and joined in on the nutually assured destruction.

Aftermath

In J Andres, the Grand Mexican War resulted in the destruction of all major cities and the death of an uncountable number of civilians. Charlotte Laurent, the President, was killed and Queen Katherine declared royal law to hold the nation together. Once it was safe to go outside, the government began a food distribution program to quell the looting and anarchy and J Andres managed to hold itself together well compared to other known nations. Vinsalia was typically rocked by riots and eventually ran into a succession crisis when King Martin died, resulting in putting Phillippe, King of J Andres in line for the throne. The two crowns eventually came into a personal union under Phillippe, who united the nations as one in 2091.

The Bourbon Age (2088-2140)

King Phillippe I

Although the Grand Mexican War ended in disaster for nations throughout the world, J Andres would enter a new renaissance age brought forth by its new King, Phillippe. Over the years following the war, the Labor party would seize control of all aspects of government. At the urging of the King, various businesses of strategic interest were slowly nationalized. The WASL created the food supply, PPL created the electricity, National Rail created the railways, and PQ Health provided healthcare. These strategic nationalizations allowed J Andres to recover from the war and grow stronger than its regional neighbors.

President Mateo Bourbon

This disparity created conflict, and assassinations within J Andres were common. Phillippe, Phillippe II, and Phillippe III were all assassinated within a ten-year time period, leaving Phillippe IV to ascend to the throne at age 6. Pierre Bourbon, the longest serving President was also assassinated. Mateo Bourbon, Premier of the Commune acknowledged that J Andres needed to adapt to the new reality, and the J Andres political system was overhauled in 2124. The Commune was replaced by the Crown Council, consisting of three elected individuals who would also serve as Chancellors of three governmental departments. The President remained, but the monarchy was also granted the authority to replace any elected official in the event of a vacancy.

The Ottanian Conflict

King Louis of Ottania

In 2113, Ottania, Quebec Republic, and Vermont Republic all contested for the city of Montreal. J Andres supported the Ottanian claim, and Ottania was victorious in securing the city. In 2124, a severe plague of locusts decimated most of the crop vegetation in North America. J Andres did not struggle during this plague, as most of J Andres agriculture was produced indoors by WASL; however, for the nations of Ottania, Quebec, and Vermont, this plague caused widespread hunger issues. In 2125, terrorists with ties to Quebec assassinated the King Justin of Ottania. The new king, Louis, was determined to find justice and declared war against Quebec on January 12, 2126. Vermont joined in against Ottania and at the insistence of the young king Phillippe IV, J Andres entered the war to support Ottania. By early 2127, Vermont had surrendered, dissolving itself into a number of unassociated cities. By the end of 2127, Quebec called for a ceasefire, although tensions remained high. The ceasefire persisted for more than a year. James Houser, the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, was blamed for this failure and he was not reelected in the 2128 election, which was the first national loss for the Labor party in more than three decades. By April of 2129, the new Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, Kyle Barlow, had successfully negotiated peace terms which respected the Quebec Republic original boundaries, and granted the rights to the Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island areas to J Andres as potential future territories. This peace deal was widely celebrated within J Andres.

Expansion

With the Vermont territory loosely in J Andres control, the nation reached its largest size in over in a century since the 2007 land cessions of Adrik Annan. President Mateo Bourbon was determined to ensure the territory was incorporated in a sustainable manner and hired BDS to consult and recommend an integration strategy. The BDS report was not released publicly, but after a three-month assessment period, Bourbon stated that the new territories would remain unincorporated territories for at least a period of 25 years until 2155. After that point, a determination could be made to incorporate a portion of the territory. The Libertarian party overall supported this measured approach, while the Nationalist party disagreed. Douglas Annan resigned from his position of CEO of Annan Enterprises, which expanded into the new territory in the logging business.

Rising Tensions

Administrator Jerome Moreau of Quebec

Tensions between J Andres, Ottania, and Quebec remained high throughout, but noticeably began rising in the early 2030s. In 2031, Jerome Moreau, administrator of Quebec traveled to Newport for a state visit but was snubbed by Phillippe IV. J Andres and Ottania conducted joint military exercises to the chagrin of Quebec. Ottania accused three Quebecios citizens of being the terrorists responsible for the assassination of King Justin and accused them of having ties to the Quebec government. The trial was considered by many to be theater, and when the accused were found guilty, they were executed and Ottania and Quebec declared war in November of 2133.

The Second Ottanian Conflict

About a week after Ottania and Quebec declared war, J Andres joined on the side of Ottania. The war was slow moving, particularly due to the cold climate and long winter encampments. The J Andres and Ottanian forces first repelled Quebec forces from Montreal, before capturing Quebec City in 2134, and finally moving into Férin in May of 2135. During the siege, Quebec attempted to launch a nuclear warhead, although the launch was a failure and the bomb exploded high in the atmosphere, causing only electromagnetic damage to the city of Férin itself.

The New Horizon

President Sarah Baker

After the Second Ottanian conflict, the Labor party continued to win elections, but was losing ground with each subsequent election. In 2136, Mateo Bourbon declined to run, to pave the way for Sarah Baker to win the presidency. While Baker was successful, the Nationalist party was fracturing. From the wreckage of the Nationalist Party would emerge the New Horizon party led by Eleanor Mueller. Mueller formulated a winning platform by abandoning much of the old-Nationalist thinking, adopting many Labor-centric economic policies, and inserting a number of her own regionalistic foreign policies. This was a winning combination that would lead to New Horizon victories in 2140, marking the end of Bourbon Age in J Andres politics.

Continental Consolidation (2140-2168)

President Earnell Chambers

With the New Horizon party in power, Eleanor Mueller and Earnell Chambers were firmly in control of the direction of the country. Mueller, as the Chancellor of Foreign Affairs, was primarily interested in building J Andres into a regional hegemony. This required strong partners in its neighbors, primarily Alleghenia and Ottania. Alleghenia was a new nation, formed out of the shell of the Free City of Pittsburgh. Alleghenia was strongly supported by Mueller, and also by Samuel Astor and the Ottawa Syracuse Railway which transported coal mined in the region throughout J Andres. The Augustine Empire was also interested in being allies with J Andres, envisioning J Andres, New Tahoe and the Augustine Empire as three large powers to oversee North America.

President Eleanor Mueller

In time, Alleghenia would conquer the Eastern Union, Tahoe would conquer the Southwest Socialist Republic, and the Augustine Empire would conquer Cumberland, North Mexico, and Elegada as well as numerous free cities.

President Eleanor Mueller, Emperor Alexander Augustus, and Prime Minister Elsie Huang at the signing of the Augusta Accords in 2167

It was however, New Tahoe's war against California that would set in motion the series of events leading to the Savannah Accords. New Tahoe had been a staunch ally of the Augustine Republic and initially sought the Empire's help in the war. They were rejected because the Empire was focusing on their war with North Mexico. Tahoe decided to enter war alone, and they were initially successful. However, with California in the final throes, Cascadia entered the war. Cascadia had a significant technological advantage thanks to Kaminski Aircraft and although California was defeated, Cascadia was able to make easy work to New Tahoe. The Augustine Empire did not come to their aid, and instead invited the leaders of Cascadia and J Andres to Savannah for a summit.

The outcome of this summit was the Savannah Accords. A recognition that the Augustine Empire, J Andres, and Cascadia were the three main powers on the continent, and that each nation should recognize the boundaries of each other and gave each other significant latitude to act within their spheres of influence. Notable omissions from the Accords was any acknowledgment of the nations in the center of the continent such as Detchitoria or the North American Commonwealth. In either event, the Savannah Accords was signed by Emperor Alexander Augustus, President Eleanor Mueller, and Prime Minister Elsie Huang. Along the agreements of the treaty, Cascadia and the Augustine Empire moved into New Tahoe territory. The peace of the accords was expected to hold; however, approximately a year after the agreement, Emperor Alexander died, and was replaced by his brother Emperor Marshall Augustus who was an outspoken critic of the Accords.

Albany grew substantially in the 2160s, as rail connections increased due to its centralized location

This time period saw significant population growth within J Andres, and a return of some pre-war comforts, as radio broadcasting grew in scope with the EBC, PRN, and MBC. Professional sports returned with the Atlantic Baseball League and Appalachian Baseball League. Cities began constructing tall buildings, Boston opened performing arts theaters, and Albany opened fashion houses. In politics, the era of the Crown Council ended and the Commune was restored.

Tensions and War with the Empire (2168-2181)

The Savannah Accords created an uneasy peace between the three primary North American powers: the Augustine Empire, Cascadia, and J Andres. For the next fourteen years, the powers would shift alliances and friendships rapidly, with two uniting against the third believing it to be growing too strong, and then the two partners growing weary of each other and becoming foes. This also occurred within the backdrop of the Third Ottanian Conflict, an internal civil war with revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the monarchy.

David Celeste, leader of the Ottania Revolutionaries

In 2168, David Celeste, leader of Le Front Republicain called for King Mathieu to allow a constitutional monarchy in Ottania. The King responded by calling for Celeste's arrest.

Anthony Cole, President of the NAC

In the west, Cascadia under the leadership of Elsie Huang declared that all territory west of the 104th meridian was part of Cascadia. The North American Commonwealth, which was not a signatory of the Savannah Accords, and its president Anthony Cole objected to this land grab. Cascadia and the NAC went to war in 2170, which brought J Andres and the Augustine Empire closer to each other. In 2172, Cascadia and the NAC agreed to set the border at the 107th meridian and ceased hostilities.

The situation in Ottania continued to degrade, with Le Front Republicain calling for democracy in 2173, and setting an ultimatum to receive it by 2175. Shortly thereafter, Acadia issued an embargo against Ottania.

The Commune Building in Albany

Domestically in J Andres, Endor Cuidad was destroyed in a fire in 2173. Albany was selected to be the new capital. While the new governmental buildings were built in Albany, Dylan Sherman led a multi-party effort to overhaul the constitution.

Mathieu, King of Ottania, and later, the Duke of Montreal

In 2175, the Ottanian monarchy continued to ignore the ultimatum demanding democracy, and so the revolutionaries declared open hostilities, striking targets in Ottawa, and starting the Third Ottanian Conflict. The Augustine Empire condemned the violence and condemned J Andres for allowing such acts of war within its sphere of influence. Many within J Andres, both in the Labor and New Horizon parties called for war, but President Edith Bartlett tempered these calls providing aid only. The revolutionaries were successful in their efforts, capturing all major cities other than Ottawa by 2178. Backed into a corner, the Ottanian King, Mathieu made an agreement with Emperor Marshall Augustus to become part of the Augustine Empire in exchange for the protection and stability provided by the Empire. Mathieu became a Duke of the Empire and the Augustine Empire rapidly pushed back the revolutionaries.

Donovan Grady, President of J Andres

Emperor Leopold Augustus of the Augustine Empire

With Ottania incorporated into the Augustine Empire, tensions between the Empire and J Andres increased rapidly. J Andres began increasing defense spending and the Augustine Empire moved missiles into Montreal. David Celeste, the leading revolutionary, was captured. and executed in 2179. In the elections the pro-war faction of the New Horizon Party won control of the party, and also won the general election,, electing Donovan Grady to President. Within less than two weeks of being in office, Grady had declared war on the Augustine Empire. The war was costly for both sides, with few gains. About 6 months after the war started, Emperor Marshall Augustus died, and a ceasefire was called. Leopold, Duke of Orleans was elected and signed the Treaty of Pittsburgh with J Andres, ending the war and agreeing to cede Ottania to the revolutionaries.