New European Civil War

The New European Civil War was a civil war fought between forces loyal to the government and the expansionist Fascist Party. It began on the morning of November 21, 2009 when Emperor Wilhelm attempted to ease tensions between himself and then Imperial Chancellor Johannus von Ikner. However Ikner refused then had Army troops loyal to him seize the Emperor. They forced Wilhelm to accept the establishment of a fascist regime and timed it so that he could not counter it while he went on a family holiday. The Queen of Tennessee however opposed the regime change after the forced abolition of the states under it. With an emailed blessing from Wilhelm while he was away Queen Catherine assumed command of loyalist resources and declared a state of civil war. As the conflict progressed the fascists were refused international recognition and lacked the backing to survive. Rules of engagement were agreed upon prior to each battle, but were repeatedly violated by the fascist side resulting in minor and eventually two serious injuries. Fascist forces surrendered on December 1, 2009 following the Battle of Chicago.

Causes
The main cause of the initial conflict was the rapid shift in politics and government during the First Reformation. New Europe was ruled by Fascism once before as the U.E.N.A. Upon New Europe's creation in 2009 it was only by two votes that monarchy was chosen over a fascist dictatorship. With the creation of the Nationalist Party, the fascists became desperate to ensure their survival - with the Imperial Chancellor being the Fascist Party leader radicals in the party hoped he would actively engage in ensuring the parties continued dominance of power. In early November 2009 Ryan Lahiff had convinced Chancellor Ikner that Wilhelm's policy shift was the cause of the empire's influence decline, and that it was his duty to set things right. It is unknown which of these two felt there was no peaceful solution. On the night of November 20, 2009 Chancellor Ikner ordered all correspondence from the emperor were to be ignored. One however leeked this information to Wilhelm who called upon Ikner to answer for this action in a public park.

First shots
Main article: Chicago Skirmish On the morning of November 21, Chancellor Ikner sent a massive email to the state leaders about how the emperor had failed to lead the nation effectively and properly and that he should abdicate the throne. After hearing the news of how fascist party members were refusing his reports as a form of protest, Wilhelm quickly made his way with members of the Imperial Guard to a city park in a final attempt to convince the fascists to back down. After an intense argument Wilhelm demanded Ikner's resignation as Chancellor. Ikner refused the order and so the emperor ordered his guards to arrest him. As they attempted to do so Ikner drew an Air Soft pistol and shot Wilhelm. Ordering members of the 1st Mobile Division, which were hidden to take the emperor by surprise, to engage the Imperial Guard. They attempted a retreat but it failed and the emperor was shot again and captured along with his guard. He was forced to acknowledge the new regime and accept the terms of it. The fascists timed their actions perfectly as they knew Wilhelm would go on holiday to Aruba for an unknown period the following day.

Fascists in power
Later that day Ikner declared himself Reich Führer of the New European Social Republic. Once given admin rights to majority of New Europe's online sources the fascists set up regional fascist supporting governments. Ikner then sent out another mass email stating the abolition of all state monarchies an republics. Queen Catherine of Tenessee was the first to refuse any imperial, fascist or otherwise, imposed law regarding regional governments. In a last minute correspondence with Wilhelm Catherine was given his blessing to do what she felt was needed to restore order. Before midnight on November 21 she had contacted most of the state leaders urging them to resist any fascist attempt to take power. Finally she wrote to Ikner stating the declaration of civil war in defense of the imperial ideal.

Ohio Empire
On the November 22, Vice-Führer Ryan Lahiff felt that it would be easier to crush the southern morale if the northern half was believed to be united geographically. And so by 4:00 P.M. CST, the Ohio government was told that Fascist troops began to pour into Ohio as part of an invasion. Although no physical invasion occured, Ohio responded by entering the war on Loyalist side. It is unknown if Ohio's Army engaged any Fascist forces and drove them out, but they are credited for it. As Loyalist forces began suffering losses in battles throughout the Chicago area, Wilhelm kept in touch with his followers in the south. In the end any attempts to conquer Ohio failed.

Loyalist Offensive
On the night of November 25, the Loyalist Army in the north was being severly betean by the lack of Fascist rules of engagement and were suffering from a huge morale loss with the emperors lack of contact with them. But the Tennessee Queen Catherie, who had organized her own army made up from her own guard and loyalists, launched an offensive in her area to attempt to stop or slow down the Fascist take over attempts in the south. The offensive was a success due to Fascist communications being cut off. In the city of Nashville a battle ensued, nearly resulting both sides to have genuine wounded. But the risk seemed worth it as the Fascist Army in the south was defeated and talks began of an invasion of Illinois.

Three Front War
After days of negotiating with Loyalist forces, the Kingdom of Coleraine had agreed to enter the war on November 27. They began driving westward to put preasure on Fascist troops, using photos posted on myspace to indicate their location, causing the Fascist High Command to panic and abandon the region in order to defend the capital.

Capture of Captain Soltau
Main article: Battle of the Brook After the Skirmish in Chicago, Imperial Guard Captain Alan Soltau retreated to the primary residence of the immediate imperial family. There he withstood numerous fascist troops for three days. But in the end the fascist numbers overwhelmed his squad and he was captured by the fascists. With his capture also came the capture of the imperial heir, Prince Jonatan. They had also hoped to capture Empress Catherine-Elizabeth, but she was found on November 25 to already to be in Ohio.

Emperor's Return
Main article: Operation Kaiser On the November 29 the emperor had landed in North Carolina. And Queen Catherine wanted to use the oppertunity to boost morale higher for those near or in the capital. And with support of the Colerain from the west it was easier for loyalist forces in the north as well as in the east to capture Connecticut, and began a battle in the city of Hartford. The offensive there was a complete success. It signaled that the war was nearing its end and lead to the capture of Vice-Führer Lahiff.

Final Push
Main article: Battle of Chicago By the morning of December 1, Loyalist troops had regrouped. It took all of the remaining soldiers who could travel and made what was hopefully the last push to victory over the regime. And at 10:51 A.M.CST, under the direct command of Emperor Wilhelm, the Loyalist Army engaged enemy forces the same place the war started. The battle lasted for a little over two hours straight until von Ikner was captured. Once he was captured General Bullock surrendered the city and von Ikner was forced to sign a surrender agreement with the loyalists.

Foreign involvement
From the beginning many nations who had any knowledge of New Europe at all, heard the situation and instantly cut ties to them. The most prominant embargo was issued by the Kingdom of Coleraine. It was known as the 2009 Act of Embargo. Which effectively cut all trade and border crossings between Coleraine and New Europe

Ohio Empire
The Ohio Empire was a neutral, and normally a strictly neutral country. But following the suppossed invasion of Ohio by the Fascists Army, all of Ohio cried for retaliation.

Kingdom of Coleraine
Loyalists had been trying to get New Europe's oldest ally, the Kingdom of Coleraine, to enter on their side and invade from the west. Unfortunately for the Loyalists, Coleraine wanted certain things for its contributions. It wanted the Free State of Iowa to pass under their rule, the abolition of all fascism and fascist sponcered institutions, Improved rights and protection to Roman Catholics, a fair trial for the fascist leaders by an unbiased jury, and finally the demilitarisation of New Europe. Loyalist leaders found the terms humiliating and insulting, and even considered threatening the use of Catholics as hostages. But they returned to the negotiating table and agreed to most of the terms. The Colerain Parliament voted to declare war on the night of November 27, 2009. A declaration was sent to the fascist government.

Democratic People's Republic of Erusia
Erusia had recently restored all forms of relations with New Europe, and debated whether or not to enter the war at all. But under the terms of a new alliance treaty between the two, Erusia was obligated to declare the Fascist regime illegitimate. And following the Ohio invasion, Erusia's legislature proposed a bill for war against the Fascist government regime. Diplomatic tension between Ohio and Erusia, however, led the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party ordered all Communist legislators to reject it - an act equivalent to a complete veto in other nations.

Republic of Danvania
President Davis of the Republic of Danvania declared war against the Social Republic of New Europe on November 27, 2009. Due to geographical distance, it was unclear in the beginning how they could have participated, and indeed, there is no actual proof of involvement of the Danvanian government into the conflict in any way.

Sandum Reply to the Violation of the Empire of Ohio's neutrality
On 22 November, at 22:25 ST, The Premier of Sandus officially condemned the Social Republics of New Europe invasion, violation of the Empire of Ohio's neutrality and violation of the Empire of Ohio's sovereignty. "As Premier of the Supreme Soviet of Sandus, I condemn these recent events within Ohio acted solely by the Fascist belligerent of New Europe. Sandus, tied diplomatically, would like to intervene on the side of the Empire of New Europe, however we can not. We here by sanction the Social Republic of New Europe, we shall have nothing to do with these Fascists and Murderers so long as they live. These are the same people who killed 22 million innocent Soviet citizens, who were forced into war by these Fascist and Racist ideals. We shall remember our Comrades and remember the pain they felt at the blow of the Fascists! Death to Fascism! Death to National Socialism! Death to the Social Republic of New Europe!"

- Guillaume Unum

St.Charlian response
After Sandus, St.Charlie was the second micronation to give a formal response to the Fascist rebellion in the Empire. On the 23rd of November, Alexander Reinhardt, on his official speech for the first anniversary of the Federal Republic, sarcastically praised the Fascist faction in New Europe for destroying the intermicronational reputation and relations of the Empire in less than 48 hours. The tone in which these declarations were said did look ironic, and it has been clear from the beginning that the St.Charlian chief of government was serious about the issue. In the afternoon of the same day, the Ambassadorial Council and Director of the Immigration Office Roberto Sanchez decided to offer political asylum to all New European citizens that wanted to leave the country. This of course included all members of the New European Royal family. At the moment St.Charlie still recognizes Emperor Wilhelm I as the ruler of New Europe and has been constantly condemning the actions of the Fascist regime, including of course the invasion of other North-American states and micronations, including the Ohio Empire.

Camurian response
His Majesty's Government condemns the actions of the Social Republic of New Europe upon invading Ohio, in a clear and blatant act to provoke an intermicronational incident and aiming to cause open war with the Ohio Empire and her allies. The government of Camuria-Althacia shall not open any recognition to another New European state and demand the New European colonies in the British Isles and mainland Europe to be abandoned and withdraw all claims over European territories and withdraw all troops from the State of Ohio.

Ohioan response
The Emperor's reaction to the invasion was one of outrage. Sunday is a day of rest for all citizens of Ohio.The Emperor had this to say,"I shall never recognize these war-mongers as an independent nation. Johannes von Ikner shall pay for this outrage. Men of Honor do not launch surprise attacks. These men lack honor. von Ikner has awoken a sleeping giant. I shall bring everyone against these men. Wilhelm is the true leader of New Europe."

Cheslovian response
President Otar Kalev stated that "The Cheslovian Federation will continue to recognize the sovereignty of the Empire of New Europe and the Ohio Empire, as long as the terrorist organization known as "Fascist New Europe" remains at peace with Cheslovia, Erusia, Sandus, St. Charlie, Malokaz and Ud Mahazar, Cheslovia will remain at peace with Fascist New Europe".

Nemkhav response
The Federal Government refuses to recognize the Social Republic of New Europe, and maintains recognition of the Empire of New Europe as legitimate. Premier Mark Meehan calls for the withdrawal of the forces of the Social Republic from occupied lands, and also calls for peace talks to begin as soon as possible.

Egtavian response
The President of Egtavia refuses to extend recognition towards the Social Republic of New Europe, and enacts trade and technology embargoes upon the SRNE. The President expresses his profound disgust towards the Fascist "government" of New Europe and Fascist ideals as a whole, and in response to the coup d'état, raises Egtavia's DEFCON level from five to three. The President warns New Europe that "the IRBB program can be restarted if the need arises, and it is within our capabilities to send IRBBs across the Atlantic. You have been warned - this travesty will not stand." The President also remarked that "their warmongering attitudes have dragged the micronational world into yet another conflict, and it seems that this one may be the worst yet." The President has also pledged that Egtavia will assist the Ohio Empire if New Europe attacks again "in whatever way we can." ''Following new intelligence becoming available, the President has declared Egtavia to be a neutral nation in the conflict. If any belligerent entities wish to use IRBBs in this conflict, then they may use the plans which are freely available to download here.''

Colerain response
His Catholic Majesty's Government does not agree with the actions of von Ikner, nor the Social Republic of New Europe. The Court of Cluain Sharoise shall maintain its alliance with the Imperial Government of Wilhelm I. His Catholic Majesty made a statement before Parliament on the night of 25 November 2009 on the issue.

Danvanian response
President Danny Davis of Danvania is opposed to the Social Republic of New Europe, and does not recognize its rule over New Europe. The President has condemned the attacks as an act of terrorism. He does not recognize the Social Republic of New Europe, and his statement can be seen here. He has since declared war on the Social Republic of New Europe.

Solvoian response
Ambassador Michael Flaherty condemns the invasion of Ohio, along with the SRNE policy of declaring any party which refuses to recognize it "enemies of the white race". The Federation calls for a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and the immediate termination of fascist aggression, along with a serious review of their racial policy.

Landshir'n response
While on Sura Capita Missions, the Crown Prince replied to the New European ultimatum to Sandus: "I don't think the new New Europe understands. This is no longer your civil war. You have enemies now, and they would do anything to make you give the land you stole back to its legitimate hands. I can understand why you have started this war, but you have aggravated the MicroWiki community enough. If Sandus wishes to plan fights with you, then you have made it happen. This war won't end soon, and unfortunately for you, there are many other micronations planning to attack you in the near future if you persist to control your government in a racist and unfriendly manner."

- HRI James II

The Crown Prince has also stated that Landashir will not be a belligerent in the New European Civil War and calls for "progressive action" against the New Government.

Patetopian response
President Pate has announced Patetopia's support for New European Loyalist forces. Legislation is currently pending in Patetopia on adding Fascist forces to Patetopia's list of terrorist nations and orgnaizations.

Daneslands response
President James says," Danesland will remain neutral, but our thoughts on New Europe is that it seems to be a reanactment of Nazi Germany, which I find Insulting. I have some German blood in me and i may not be jewish but i find the Nazi cause to be horrible. Danesland is and will be neutral until further notice".

Salazarian response
After witnessing the horrors and suffering of the war, Carlos Salazar, head of state of the Commonwealth of Salazar, decided on 2010 to summon representatives of various nations to draft and sign the Salaria Convention and thus giving birth to the Intermicronational Blue Cross and Blue Crescent Movement.

Conduct of the war
Since its start many have questioned how the war was fought. Orignally a much exagerated version was released to the community, indicating that both sides truely lead glorious battles against eachother. In truth however they were all prearranged and isolated to a few locations, mostly in the capital areas. Before his departure for holiday, Wilhelm and Ikner agreed on the rules of engagement for three battles and that these rules would be passed along to their respective forces throught the then vast empire. The rules were pretty simple, no use of sharp objects or live ammunition. No physical abuse of prisoners if captured, of which they'd be released at the end of each battle. Honesty in battle, meaning if someone was "critically injured" they would go down and no longer participate in the fighting. Finally, no intentional aiming or attacks at an individuals face. The southern and eastern areas of fighting are unclear as to how they were fought. But it is believed that the south fought along similar rules. However throughout the conflict the Fascists repeatedly broke or ignored certain rules of engagement. They commonly did not use honesty in battle and aimed for the face if an individual was wearing protection or not. This lead to two people shooting eachother at close range with Air soft pistols in the Battle of Chicago. They were taken to the emergency room and were fortunate enough to not do any damage to eachother eyes.