Alyeskan Independence War
| Alyeskan Independence War | |||||||
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 (Clockwise from top-left) Russian soldiers manning a mobile radio station, ANAN troops advancing through a mining tunnel repurposed as a covert passage, ANAN forces during an amphibious assault, Russian forces holding a defensive position | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Russia |
 Alyeska  ANAN | ||||||
The Alyeskan Independence War (Russian: Война за независимость Аляски) was a military conflict from May 1978 to October 1979 fought between the Russian National Republic and the Association of North American Nations (ANAN). It was primarily fought in the Alyeskan region and in the Kamchatka Peninsula. It resulted in victory for the ANAN and led to the independence of Alyeska.
Background
Russian influence and discontent
Alyeska, initially a backwater of the Russian Empire, gained prominence with increased settlement during the Alyeskan gold rush of the late 1890s. However, Russian governance, particularly after the rise of the National Republican Party of Russia and the elevation of Alyeska to an Autonomous National Republic (ANR) in 1940, was viewed as exploitative and insensitive to local needs. The imposition of National Republican policies led to widespread dissatisfaction among the Alyeskan populace. Many felt that the Russian government was more interested in extracting resources and political compliance than in the welfare of the local populace.
Rise of separatist sentiment
Over time, Alyeskans developed a distinct identity, influenced by a blend of traditional Russian, indigenous, and American cultures. The shared experience of feeling neglected and exploited by the Russian government helped unite disparate communities across the region.
Novo-Arkhangelsk coup (March 1978)
In early 1978, members of the Alyeskan National Militia led a coup in Novo-Arkhangelsk, declaring the nation's independence. Upon receiving news of the uprising, Sergey Gromov, the Chairman of the Russian National Republic, sought a diplomatic resolution and promptly dispatched a delegation to negotiate with the insurrectionists. However, these efforts were rebuffed when the coup's leader, Nikolaj Tryndin, held clandestine discussions with representatives from the ANAN, further straining relations.
Gromov's diplomatic approach turned to military action following the failed negotiations and the revelation of ANAN's involvement. He commanded the Russian military contingents stationed in Alyeska to retake the government buildings seized by the rebels. Despite the swift crackdown on the initial uprising, the militia transitioned into a guerrilla warfare campaign, continuing their fight for independence in the weeks that ensued.
Alyeska's entry into ANAN (April 1979)
In March 1978, ANAN publicly entered negotiations with Nikolaj Tryndin to facilitate Alyeska's accession to their bloc. This move was met with stern criticism from Sergey Gromov, who stated "a responsible member of the international community would recognize the folly of intruding into the sovereign affairs of others."
Despite Gromov's rebuke, ANAN countered that Alyeska met the criteria for membership and, as a North American entity, had the right to join the alliance. On March 18, 1978, ANAN officially welcomed Alyeska as its eleventh member, asserting that Russia had no jurisdiction over American soil and over ANAN affairs. This declaration further escalated tensions between ANAN and the Russian National Republic.
Course of the War
Escalation and initial ANAN Advancement (May 1978)
In a strategic maneuver that caught Russia off guard, ANAN forces commenced an incursion into Alyeska from Tussenland in the southwest. The operation quickly overwhelmed Russian defenses due to their unpreparedness, and ANAN troops successfully eventually joined forces with the Alyeskan National Militia. ANAN forces utilized the expertise of indigenous American scouts, allowing them to swiftly gain control of key territories, including the capital city, Novo-Arkhangelsk.
By the end of the first month of hostilities, ANAN forces had secured the entire southwestern region of Alyeska. The only area that remained under Russian control in the southwest was the heavily-fortified Shishkov Island.
