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A very brief history of TGEC
The Early Years: Francis I and the Rebellion: The idea of The Grand Economic Consortium traces its origins back to the mid-15th century with Francis I, Duke of Brittany. Francis I, who reigned from 1442 to 1450, sought to break Brittany's status as a client state of France. Driven by a vision of an independent and economically prosperous Brittany, he attempted a rebellion against French rule in 1450. Unfortunately, the rebellion was crushed, and Francis I was executed. His family fled to Britain, where they remained for several generations, nurturing the dream of an independent Brittany.The Feud of 1704 and Louis II: In 1704, Louis de France, a distant relative of Francis I and a member of the French aristocracy, found himself at odds with the King of France over political and territorial disputes. Louis, who held significant influence in Brittany, sought to leverage this influence to challenge the central authority of the French monarchy. Seeking to revive the dream of an independent Brittany, Louis called upon the descendants of Francis I to return from Britain and join him in stirring up rebellion.
However, the plot was betrayed by a spy loyal to the King. French soldiers swiftly captured and executed all known conspirators, including Louis de France and the descendants of Francis I. Unbeknownst to the authorities, Louis had a secret son, Louis II, who had been raised in secrecy by foster parents to protect him from potential reprisals for being a bastard.
Louis II grew up and joined the King's guards, proving his mettle in numerous battles. Over time, he gained the trust and favor of the French King, eventually rising to the position of the King's right-hand man and being granted the title of Duke of Brittany. In 1720, Louis II secretly signed an agreement with England, pledging that if France and England ever went to war, Brittany would rebel against France and assist England.
The Crisis of 1896 and the Birth of Alsteria: Fast forward to 1896, the French Third Republic faced a severe political and economic crisis. Corruption scandals, economic depression, and widespread social unrest weakened the government, creating an opportunity for external forces to intervene. Seizing the moment, the British Empire decided to invade France.
Honoring the secret agreement of 1720, Brittany, under the leadership of Duke Joseph Wolf, revolted against France. Wolf's forces quickly occupied eastern France, capturing key cities and securing strategic territories. Simultaneously, British troops launched their invasion, and together, they formed the Northern Axis. The combined forces of Brittany and Britain marched into Paris, overwhelming French defenses.
The conflict culminated in a peace treaty in which France, now renamed the Neofrankish Empire, relinquished all lands occupied by the Northern Axis. Brittany, having occupied Eastern France up to Paris and Normandy, emerged significantly strengthened. Joseph Wolf declared the new nation Alsteria, marking the beginning of a new era.
The Creation of The Grand Economic Consortium:In 1926, the British Empire, weakened by numerous colonial rebellions and a severe economic crisis, found itself vulnerable. Alsterian forces, driven by the desire to fulfill Francis I's dream of a united Brittany and England, launched a surprise naval invasion of Southern England. The operation was swift and decisive; Alsterian troops captured key coastal cities, including London, in a matter of weeks.
Faced with the prospect of prolonged conflict and further destabilization, Britain agreed to a peace treaty. Southern England was ceded to Alsteria, and the nation was subsequently renamed TGEC. The new name symbolized the union of economic and strategic interests between the former territories of Brittany and Southern England. The capital was moved from Brest to Grandeville, marking the beginning of an ambitious period of urban development and economic reform.
The 20th Century: TGEC's Rise: Throughout the early 20th century, TGEC focused on consolidating its power and developing its economy. The government, implemented various reforms to modernize infrastructure, promote industrialization, and enhance education. TGEC's strategic location and natural resources contributed to its economic growth, and the nation quickly became a regional power.
During both World Wars, TGEC maintained a stance of neutrality, focusing on internal development and avoiding the devastating impacts of the conflicts. This period of stability allowed TGEC to build a robust economy and develop strong diplomatic ties with neighboring countries, including Britain and Germany.
Although TGEC remained neutral, Consortian operatives working for Blacklight Intelligence operated covertly in Germany, trying to undermine their war efforts and smuggle jews who were at risk out of the nation. In 1960 TGEC joined NATO and the ECSC.
The 1980 Coup of Flowers: The 1980s saw political turmoil in TGEC, culminating in the Coup of Flowers, one of the most dramatic episodes in the nation's modern history. The coup was initiated by a faction within the military, led by General Henri Duval, who were deeply dissatisfied with the government's economic policies and widespread allegations of corruption. The conspirators believed that the current administration, under Prime Minister Jacques Delacroix, had strayed from the founding principles of TGEC and was undermining the nation's prosperity.
On the morning of March 14, 1980, General Duval's forces seized key government buildings in Grandeville, including the parliament and the central bank. The coup was named for the flowers that protesters used to symbolize peace and change, with many citizens taking to the streets holding white lilies as a sign of nonviolent resistance. The coup initially gained significant public support, as many citizens were frustrated with economic stagnation and perceived government inefficiency.
However, the tide turned when loyalist forces, led by Colonel Marcel Renault, mounted a counteroffensive. After three days of intense urban combat, the loyalist forces managed to recapture the critical government installations. General Duval and his key supporters were arrested, and the coup was decisively crushed on the 6th of July, which is now a national holiday.
The failure of the Coup of Flowers led to a period of political introspection and reform. Grand Minister Delacroix, acknowledging the need for change, initiated a series of political and economic reforms aimed at reducing corruption, improving transparency, and revitalizing the economy. These reforms ultimately strengthened TGEC's democratic institutions and set the stage for future stability and growth.
The Invasion of Southern England and Normandy: On September 1, 2003, Ireland launched a surprise attack on TGEC, swiftly invading Southern England and Normandy. The initial Irish offensive was marked by its speed and coordination, catching TGEC forces off guard. Key cities, including Exeter and Caen, fell under Irish control within the first month of the invasion. The fascist regime sought to establish a foothold in these territories to exert pressure on TGEC.
The Battle of Grandeville: One of the most critical and intense battles of the early phase of the war was the Battle of Grandeville. On October 10, 2003, Irish forces launched a daring assault on the Consortian capital. The city, located near Exeter, was a prime target due to its political and strategic importance.The battle began with a heavy artillery bombardment, followed by coordinated ground assaults. Irish troops, led by Colonel Sean Murphy, advanced rapidly, breaking through the initial lines of defense and pushing into the outskirts of Grandeville. Panic spread among the city's residents as the sounds of battle drew closer to the heart of the capital. Consortian forces, under the command of General Louis Thibault, mounted a desperate defense to prevent the city from falling. For three days, intense street-to-street and house-to-house fighting ensued. The turning point came when General Thibault managed to organize a counteroffensive, utilizing reinforcements and a series of well-executed flanking maneuvers to encircle the Irish forces. By October 13, the Irish assault was repelled, and Grandeville was secured. The battle marked a significant morale boost for TGEC and demonstrated the resilience and determination of its military.
Other Important Battles:
Battle of Caen (January 15, 2004): After securing Grandeville, Consortian forces turned their attention to Normandy. The Battle of Caen was a major confrontation where General Thibault's troops faced off against a well-entrenched Irish garrison. Utilizing superior tactics and firepower, Consortian forces achieved a decisive victory, regaining control of the city and cutting off Irish supply lines.
Battle of Exeter (March 3, 2004): Following the success in Normandy, TGEC launched an offensive to reclaim Southern England. The Battle of Exeter was crucial, as it was one of the first major cities to fall to the Irish invasion. Led by General Thibault, Consortian troops engaged in a week-long siege, eventually breaching the city's defenses and liberating Exeter from Irish control.
Battle of Portsmouth (June 12, 2004): As TGEC forces continued their counteroffensive, the Battle of Portsmouth became a key naval engagement. Admiral Sophie Lefevre led the Consortian Navy in a fierce battle against the Irish fleet. The victory at Portsmouth ensured Consortian naval superiority and paved the way for the subsequent invasion of Ireland.
The Battle of Jersey: One of the pivotal engagements of the war was the Battle of Jersey, fought on November 26, 2003. The island of Jersey became a strategic point for both sides due to its location and potential to control naval movements in the English Channel. The battle saw intense fighting, with both Consortian and Irish forces vying for control of the island. Consortian forces, led by Admiral Sophie Lefevre, managed to secure a decisive victory after a grueling day-long battle. This victory halted the Irish advance and boosted the morale of TGEC's military.
The Turning Tide and the Invasion of Ireland: By mid-2004, TGEC was prepared to take the fight to Irish soil. On August 1, 2004, Consortian forces launched a naval invasion of Ireland, targeting the eastern coast. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Dublin, fought on August 7, 2004. This decisive battle saw intense urban warfare, with Consortian forces led by General Thibault clashing with Irish defenders in the streets of Dublin. The battle ended with the death of General O'Connell, effectively decapitating the fascist regime and bringing an end to the conflict.
Aftermath and Annexation: Following the Battle of Dublin, a peace treaty was signed, resulting in the annexation of Eastern Ireland by TGEC. This territory remained under Consortian control until 2023, when diplomatic talks led to the reunification of Ireland. The war left a lasting impact on both nations, prompting political and military reforms within TGEC to better prepare for future conflicts.The 2003 war with Ireland demonstrated TGEC's resilience and military prowess, reinforcing its position as a significant regional power. The conflict also highlighted the importance of strategic planning and international alliances in maintaining national security.
The Consortian Civil War: In 2023, TGEC faced its most significant challenge since its formation. A separatist movement, driven by British nationalists in southern England, launched an armed uprising, along with other rebel movement, such as the Basque separatists in the south, Catholic extermists in Vierzon and anarchists in Normandy. The British separatists temporarily occupied Grandeville, the capital of TGEC. The conflict, known as the Consortian Civil War, saw fierce battles between separatist forces and TGEC's military. With assistance from the CSL and ASP, Consortian forces eventually recaptured Grandeville and quashed the separatist movement. The war left a lasting impact on the nation, prompting discussions about national unity and regional autonomy, but it also proved that TGEC was not perfect, not just yet.
