History of Tauland: Difference between revisions

 

=== The early Republic ===

 

Transitioning from a Dominion to an independent sovereign Republic went remarkably smooth as many of the institutions were already in place. Tauland already possessed a system of taxation, a legislature, an independent military force, and an independent police force and while limited it possessed foreign relations.  While many things went easy, it was not without troubles, Tauland her primary legislatures had always been the Staten der Formosa (now renamed in the Staaten Generaal), yet at the same time, the role of the governor would now need to be replaced. While the position had always been filled by someone on the advice of the Staten der Formosa, it now became clear a directly elected leader was needed. It thus looked to its past and to the Dutch Republic for inspiration with its head of government being the Raadpensionaris, it thus adopted a system of a parliamentary democracy with a strong executive.

 

''3-month war''

 

With the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment in Tauland due to the failed negotiations around the Ryukyu islands. Japan demanded full sovereignty over the island, despite at this point Tauland having had them settled and developed for the past 200 years. This eventually led to the rise of anti-Japanese sentiment within Tauland society, as they were seen as stealing the Taulanders rightful land. With people on the streets demanding that the government do something, Readpensionaris Van Aertens felt confident enough to take preemptive actions, to prevent further Japanese aggression.

 

== 20th century ==

 

 

With Tauland her victory in the naval battle the so called “Driemaandse oorlog” (three month war) or the stand off as it is sometimes called came to an end. It eventually led not to the peace that was wanted but a understanding. While it was understood that Tauland controlled the islands, the issue of fishery waters, natural resources and area’s of influence was not decided.

Tauland experienced a cultural and economic boom during the 1910s, it being the melting pot of western and eastern cultures it leveraged its position to get access to the high in demand chinese products, all the while expanding its own industrial base and exports. By 1918 Tauland was called “The next power of the east” due to its industrial output, financial sector and maritime power, which allowed it to enforce favourable treaties if needed. Yet all came to an end with the European Economic Crisis.

 

Due to Tauland her reliance on exports it was hit hard by the crisis, as its normal export markets, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Russia the German states, all saw their economies shrink. This led to a loss of some 23% of the gross domestic product of Tauland as many merchants where simply unable to sell their products. This forced the goverment to issue meussures of austerity that where hoped would make sure the key industries; heavy Industries, shipbuilding, aviation and the finance sector would survive. What made matters worse for Tauland was the fact that the region was rapidly destabilising, the fall of the Russian empire its three year long civil war (1925 - 1928) the eventual fall of the South Chinese kingdom and the start of the Corean war.

 

During the great war, Tauland saw an economic recovery, for Tauland provided much-needed munitions to the British during the conflict. This would see Tauland receive a great deal of cash, cash it used to expand critical infrastructure and prepare for a post-war world. A world in which Tauland her leadership knew, a new great game would occur and Tauland her region would likely become a battleground and Tauland needed to prepare for it. It was thus in late 1937 when both sides were still on the edge, that Tauland began to prepare for what would become known as “Operatie verzekering”.

 

Operatie Verzekering (insurance) was a military operation launched on the 3rd of February 1938 and lasted until the 1st of January 1939 (332 days). It was launched with a simple goal, to secure Tauland's strategic interests in the pacific, south china sea and other regions. It was the brainchild of Readpensionaris Rudolf Liezoon and Schout bij nacht Pieter Kaapman.