History of New Netherland: Difference between revisions
→Jan Kaspar Knip and the "American Way" (1931): did a lot of new stuff
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==== Jan Kaspar Knip and the "American Way" (1931) ====
Jan Kaspar Knip, inducted as Raedspensionaris in 1931, introduced the concept of the "American Way." Knip believed that New Netherland, as the first nation to gain independence in North America, had the responsibility to lead the construction of an independent "American Community of Nations," together sharing ideals against European neocolonialism and corruption, while building stronger ties with each other. Knip took many steps in the hopes of realizing this dream. He began new diplomatic relations with the Republic of Florida. Most notably, Knip involved New Netherland during the [[Virginia#Yorktown Landings, and the Conservative Coup (1934)|Virginian Coup of 1934]], where New Netherland sponsored and supported Virginian revolutionaries in overthrowing the Prohibitionists, which had been in power in Virginia since the [[Virginia#Virginian Civil War, and Prohibitionist Rule (1911-1914)|Virginian Civil War (1911)]]. In 1936, Knip lauded New England Prime Minister Montgomery for his statement against the sending of New England troops to fight the [[Great War]], while criticizing [[Tussenland]] for joining the war on the Cordial League's side. By late 1936, Knip expressed vague interest in supporting New England's separatism from Great Britain.
=== New Netherlands during the Great War ===
During the Great war (1935-1939) New Netherlands in theory was neutral, it was by all accounts armed neutrality tho, as well as it undertaking actions not beholding to traditional neutral nations. It together with other American nations, sold critical war material to both the British and Russians during the war, as well as rumoured although never openly admitted, the French, Austrians and Ottomans. This logically led to diplomatic clashes between the Amerikaener and British diplomatic cores, although considering Britain was fighting for its life and what was sold was principally food, no further action was taken. An uneasy agreement of sorts was agreed upon between the two states, NNL ships would not be sunk by the British navy and NNL would not deliver war material to Britain or its enemies.
All of that changed tho when British rule began to deteriorate in New England. With Britain demanding men & materials from its dominions, colonies and territories New England was paying the price for a war it was indifferent about. All came ahead in 1936 when Britain requested/demanded more troops from New England, while some agreed many within New England her parliament flat out did not want to send their youth to fight a European conflict. This eventually led to anti-British sentiment and the long lingering separatism to be revived again.
==== New England her independence ====
In New Amsterdam, the rapidly deteriorating situation in New England came at just the right time. For many within the government, it was seen as a change to once and for all push the British off the continent. Thus, using previously established relations with their long-term rivals, the Mexicans it began to support New England's separatism.
Initially, this was in the form of more clandestine support and assurances to the New England government. All changed tho when British prime minister Benjamin Kaylock lambasted the New Englanders as “unpatriotic and cowardly” this inflamed the situation even more. Eventually, in 1937 the separatist sentiment in New England was so big that the government of New England could no longer ignore it and voted to become an independent republic.
the government of New Netherlands was the first nation to openly recognize the newly independent Republic of New England. It together with the Mexican government openly pledged to defend New England should Britain carry out its threat of invasion, this would lead to the largest mobilization of New Netherlands her military in “peacetime”. eventually due to the ongoing war in Europe Britain was unable to carry out its threats and recognized the new republic only in 1941.
For New Netherlands tho its long-term foreign policy objective had been carried out, it had removed a hostile neighbour and gained a friendly one. This at the time was seen as good and it was hoped Britain would now refrain from further interference on the continent.
== See also ==
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