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History of New Netherland: Difference between revisions
add disintegration of Guman bloc lore
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In 1955, Edgar Güman finished his two terms as raedspensionaris and is no longer eligible for the position for a third term, despite his popularity. He was succeeded by his wife, Marieke Güman (''née'' Wierinck). Previously, Marieke Güman was part of the First Chamber of the New Netherland States-General from 1947-1951, and has served as the Minister of Labor from 1951-1953. Her government saw the passing of the Social Security Law (''Socialsekerheydswet'') in 1955.
==== Pavonia Standoff (1955) ====
In 1955, a political conspiracy to overthrow Marieke Güman's government and install Colonel Johannes Veldthuys as dictator was uncovered before it could happen. Johannes Veldthuys was notable for his views against the Güman administration, having called it a "corrupt aristocracy" in 1954. He was reportedly approached by like-minded wealthy businessmen (who were allegedly opposed to the Guman administration's increasingly strict labor laws) and was convinced to organize a coup. The coup was supposed to happen before Edgar Güman's term ends in 1955 but was delayed due to logistical issues with Veldthuys' brigade.
When Marieke Güman was elected as raedspensionaris, she had already received reports of this alleged secret conspiracy and had ordered a probe into the matter. On 11 November 1955, a government raid was launched at a military base in Camp Laer, Pavonia, where Veldthuys and his brigade were stationed. Members of parliament came to the base and forced Veldthuys and his men to stand down. Several personnel surrendered, however, men loyal to Veldthuys refused to do so, resulting in a 37-hour skirmish with pro-government forces. Veldthuys and his forces were soon overran. He and several members of his brigade were captured and stood trial. [[File:8th regiment soldiers that took part in arresting Veldhuys parading through the marching grounds in Nieuw Amsterdam.jpg|thumb|Armored formations of the 8th regiment that took part in arresting Veldthuys parading through the marching grounds in New Amsterdam.|275x275px]]Although Veldthuys refused to disclose the names of his corporate backers, it is widely believed that a number of influential figures from some of New Netherland's biggest corporations, including some executives from Jonkman Enterprises, Hedel Standard Oil, New Netherland Steel, and Tepperik-Koenders Holdings, were involved. Despite the fact that no one from these organizations has ever faced treason charges, it has contributed to the financial ruin of some of them. Such was the case with Hedel Standard Oil, which suffered a significant loss of investors and ultimately filed for bankruptcy before being absorbed by Jonkman Enterprises (as the Jonkman Oil Company).
The affair strengthened Marieke Güman's popularity, leading to her reelection as raedspensionaris in the 1959 elections.
==== Political realignments in the 1960s ====
By the 1960s, the political dynamics within the Güman bloc began to shift. A growing middle class and increased support for greater economic integration with the Association of North American Nations (ANAN) emerged as dominant trends within the bloc. These shifts in political alignment isolated Marieke Güman and her allies who were concerned about the intensified competition resulting from freer trade with other ANAN members.
The disagreement came to a head in January 1963, when a large strike occurred at the New Netherland Steel Company. Güman's administration openly supported the strike, which many within the Güman bloc saw as too radical and as failing to strike a balance between industry and labor interests. As a result, Güman was expelled from the Labor Party. However, the States-General allowed Güman to continue her term given that the upcoming New Netherland General elections were only a month away.
In response to her expulsion, Güman, along with a number of prominent figures from the New Netherland Labor Party, established a new party in February 1963, known as the People's Party. It attracted the Güman bloc's more radical members, effectively leading to the bloc’s disintegration.
The remaining members of the now dysfunctional Güman bloc (initially a coalition between the Free Destiny Party and the New Netherland Labor Party) chose to formalize their alliance by merging into a single political party. This new party, known as the "Nieuw Zeyven Congress" or the Zeyven Party, appealed to the growing middle class and those in favor of stronger integration with the ANAN states. The Zeyven Party was led by Meyner van Woggelum, and enjoyed popular support in New Netherland, eventually emerging victorious in the 1963 General Elections.
== Zeyven Party Rule (1963-197x) ==
== See also ==
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