[VISION STATEMENT] The Confederate States of Florentia

[Florentia]

The Confederate States of Florentia ( Florentie in Lysian) is a developing country located in Alharu, divided into twelve states with extensive autonomy. The country is an authoritarian democracy ruled by an Emperor and a Senate. The population is predominantly made up of former Lysian settlers, the Creoles, although there is a significant minority of indigenous natives (their ethnicity will depend on location on the continent, probably various Amerindian peoples) and Stillians.
Florentia used to be a secondary power due to its massive agricultural production, but because of its pronounced traditionalism and outdated production methods (primarily slavery), the country gradually sank, becoming culturally and socially inward-looking. It is only in the last twenty years that the country has been trying to wake up from its lethargy - especially under the impulse of the liberal-conservatives and the Social Christians - and it is a painful awakening.
 

History

Florentia is a former Lysian colony. The country was named by a cartographer in honour of the explorer who 'discovered' it, Florent Lagarce. Soon, due to the growing need for workers and tensions with the natives, the latter were enslaved. Florentie based most of its economy on the cultivation of cotton and tobacco, ideal for the local climate. In 1748, Lysia bought the Iverican colony of Lasoda and incorporated it into Florentia.

In 1789, Florentia declared its independence following another disagreement between the colony and the mother country. It was during the war of independence that one of the country's most popular songs was composed: "In the swamps of Bayave", a waltz commemorating the battle of Port-Rouge, a real butchery for the independentist army.
After independence, the country was constituted as a federal state ruled by an Emperor, who had strong executive power, and a Senate that voted on the Emperor's laws. The first Emperor, elected by the citizens, was the second son of the King of Louvier, dynastically linking the two countries. In 1817, Javiosia was the first state to ban slavery. Two other states followed. In the middle of the 19th century, the imperial family died in a terrible accident and the crown fell to the closest relative: the King of Louvier. For a few years, the countries were a personal union before the Emperor, under pressure from native Louviers, decided to outlaw Florentine slavery. In reaction, the nine slave states declared secession while the non-slave states remained loyal to the crown. The war lasted four or five years before the slaveholders finally took Belleville, the capital of the non-slaveholders. The victorious states forced the Emperor to abdicate, placing his second son in power, and wrote the Confederal Act, which took away most of the Emperor's powers to the advantage of the Senate and granted a very large autonomy to the states.

1887: Drafting of the "Charter of the Master and the Slave", guaranteeing the first rights to slaves and greatly limiting the punishments given by the masters. The charter is signed by five of the slave states. Later, the "Holy Sunday" article was added (obliging the master to grant a day of rest every Sunday on condition that the slave constantly go to Sunday morning mass), the right to form slave syndicates (in particular to limit abuses) and the right to vote (for the election of the senator). Today, only the states of Abalavier and Narizonia still refuse to sign the charter.

In 2019, in Narizonia, the owner of an HBCS bar ("Hommes Blancs Catholiques Seulement", « White Catholic Men Only » in Lysian) opened fire on a group of freed natives in front of his establishment, claiming that they were "making too much noise". When the local court refused to investigate, claiming it was a 'legitimate act of self-defence', the local natives revolted. The local army was called in, which only made the situation worse. The revolt was successfully organised and the natives proclaimed the Free Republic of [INDIGENOUS NAME]. The Florentine army was called in and made some minor advances before stagnating. After a year of latent war, Florentia and [NAME] signed an armistice in 2020. Since then, the two countries are still officially at war, although neither has dared to break the armistice. OCCly, this means I'm planning a map expansion with this country, but it is not the subject of this topic.
 

Politics

The Confederation is ruled by an Emperor (executive power), although he has little power, and a Senate (legislative power) which has the majority of power. The twelve senators are elected by the citizens of their respective states. Among the twelve senators, the Emperor appoints the Confederal Chancellor, who has two votes instead of one, thus avoiding equality of votes.

The political system and laws change according to the state because of the wide autonomy they have. Some have a constitution, a parliament, others do not. Three states have even become republics while Abalavier is still an absolute monarchy. Similarly, for example, slavery is still allowed in nine states.
 

Economy

The economy is mainly based on the export of agricultural products (tobacco and cotton for the main ones, but also maize, soybeans, wheat).

The country has large reserves of sulphur and magnesium, which are the driving force behind a nascent mining industry. In addition, the country is a major exporter of sand, although this is controversial because of the destruction of beaches.

The non-slaveholding states also have a decent, if small, industry focused on textiles and the manufacture of luxury cigars.

Finally, tourism is also a strong player in the economy, although the country suffers from a boycott because of its slave policy. Florentia is renowned for being a "trip back in time", especially thanks to its famous steamboat cruises.
 

To come

Because of its traditionalist policy, the country has become culturally lethargic. The Creoles are nostalgic for the good old days, while the natives aspire to more equality. Meanwhile, the Emperor is becoming weak and ill. His son is only waiting for his death. This young man has big plans: centralising the state and reinforcing the imperial power. Florentia has potential but will have to review its old values - which may be painful - if it does not want to be considered as a pariah state, or even collapse into poverty and civil war.

 

Stats

Population [1] : around 24-25 million inhabitants

GDP [1] : around 10 000 ESU

Land area [2] : 305 000 - 330 000 km2

Edited October 10, 2022 by San Castellino
I forgot the stats. (see edit history)

[Tagmatium Rules]

1 hour ago, San Castellino said:

The Confederate States of Florentia ( Florentie in Lysian) is a developing country located in Alharu, divided into twelve states with extensive autonomy. The country is an authoritarian democracy ruled by an Emperor and a Senate. The population is predominantly made up of former Lysian settlers, the Creoles, although there is a significant minority of indigenous natives (their ethnicity will depend on location on the continent, probably various Amerindian peoples) and Stillians.
Florentia used to be a secondary power due to its massive agricultural production, but because of its pronounced traditionalism and outdated production methods (primarily slavery), the country gradually sank, becoming culturally and socially inward-looking. It is only in the last twenty years that the country has been trying to wake up from its lethargy - especially under the impulse of the liberal-conservatives and the Social Christians - and it is a painful awakening.
 

History

Florentia is a former Lysian colony. The country was named by a cartographer in honour of the explorer who 'discovered' it, Florent Lagarce. Soon, due to the growing need for workers and tensions with the natives, the latter were enslaved. Florentie based most of its economy on the cultivation of cotton and tobacco, ideal for the local climate. In 1748, Lysia bought the Iverican colony of Lasoda and incorporated it into Florentia.

In 1789, Florentia declared its independence following another disagreement between the colony and the mother country. It was during the war of independence that one of the country's most popular songs was composed: "In the swamps of Bayave", a waltz commemorating the battle of Port-Rouge, a real butchery for the independentist army.
After independence, the country was constituted as a federal state ruled by an Emperor, who had strong executive power, and a Senate that voted on the Emperor's laws. The first Emperor, elected by the citizens, was the second son of the King of Louvier, dynastically linking the two countries. In 1817, Javiosia was the first state to ban slavery. Two other states followed. In the middle of the 19th century, the imperial family died in a terrible accident and the crown fell to the closest relative: the King of Louvier. For a few years, the countries were a personal union before the Emperor, under pressure from native Louviers, decided to outlaw Florentine slavery. In reaction, the nine slave states declared secession while the non-slave states remained loyal to the crown. The war lasted four or five years before the slaveholders finally took Belleville, the capital of the non-slaveholders. The victorious states forced the Emperor to abdicate, placing his second son in power, and wrote the Confederal Act, which took away most of the Emperor's powers to the advantage of the Senate and granted a very large autonomy to the states.

1887: Drafting of the "Charter of the Master and the Slave", guaranteeing the first rights to slaves and greatly limiting the punishments given by the masters. The charter is signed by five of the slave states. Later, the "Holy Sunday" article was added (obliging the master to grant a day of rest every Sunday on condition that the slave constantly go to Sunday morning mass), the right to form slave syndicates (in particular to limit abuses) and the right to vote (for the election of the senator). Today, only the states of Abalavier and Narizonia still refuse to sign the charter.

In 2019, in Narizonia, the owner of an HBCS bar ("Hommes Blancs Catholiques Seulement", « White Catholic Men Only » in Lysian) opened fire on a group of freed natives in front of his establishment, claiming that they were "making too much noise". When the local court refused to investigate, claiming it was a 'legitimate act of self-defence', the local natives revolted. The local army was called in, which only made the situation worse. The revolt was successfully organised and the natives proclaimed the Free Republic of [INDIGENOUS NAME]. The Florentine army was called in and made some minor advances before stagnating. After a year of latent war, Florentia and [NAME] signed an armistice in 2020. Since then, the two countries are still officially at war, although neither has dared to break the armistice. OCCly, this means I'm planning a map expansion with this country, but it is not the subject of this topic.
 

Politics

The Confederation is ruled by an Emperor (executive power), although he has little power, and a Senate (legislative power) which has the majority of power. The twelve senators are elected by the citizens of their respective states. Among the twelve senators, the Emperor appoints the Confederal Chancellor, who has two votes instead of one, thus avoiding equality of votes.

The political system and laws change according to the state because of the wide autonomy they have. Some have a constitution, a parliament, others do not. Three states have even become republics while Abalavier is still an absolute monarchy. Similarly, for example, slavery is still allowed in nine states.
 

Economy

The economy is mainly based on the export of agricultural products (tobacco and cotton for the main ones, but also maize, soybeans, wheat).

The country has large reserves of sulphur and magnesium, which are the driving force behind a nascent mining industry. In addition, the country is a major exporter of sand, although this is controversial because of the destruction of beaches.

The non-slaveholding states also have a decent, if small, industry focused on textiles and the manufacture of luxury cigars.

Finally, tourism is also a strong player in the economy, although the country suffers from a boycott because of its slave policy. Florentia is renowned for being a "trip back in time", especially thanks to its famous steamboat cruises.
 

To come

Because of its traditionalist policy, the country has become culturally lethargic. The Creoles are nostalgic for the good old days, while the natives aspire to more equality. Meanwhile, the Emperor is becoming weak and ill. His son is only waiting for his death. This young man has big plans: centralising the state and reinforcing the imperial power. Florentia has potential but will have to review its old values - which may be painful - if it does not want to be considered as a pariah state, or even collapse into poverty and civil war.

 

I said on Discord but things tend to get a bit lost.

Have you put thoughts towards your starting stats?

This will help us move things forward.

[Xio]

That was a very quick goodbye.
Everything looks good to me, thank you for adding the stats. I trust you as an already established member of the community that you won't go full on edge lord with the slavery or use the slavery as an excuse to belittle another ethnic group you personally don't like for whatever reason.

All that's required now is a map application .