Revolutionary period of Empherias

The Revolutionary period was the era of Empherias history between 2395 and 2448. The period came to an end because of Empherias' unification with the High Kingdoms of Alaxia, beginning the Alaxian period of Empherias.

Characteristics
=History by premiership=

2395 Revolution
Rijkdottir Abigail began finally began tweaking her government in December 2396, and invited Felix D'laminet to form a government as her Prime Minister on 1 January 2397.

Felix D'laminet's Tenure
Felix D'laminet as Prime Minister didn't have much direct experience running the country, so he wanted to get as much talent as he could to run the government. Furthermore, he was aware that the country needed stability as well as the Populist movement. He needed to include all branches of the populist ideology to appease everybody - including the violent Alarkist movement. One of D'laminet's key objectives was to modernise the state and finally finish the industrialisation process. But, he was still worried about the new faction of Frankists which had congregated and wished to restore the monarchy to power under the previous monarch, James VII. Many nobles and monarchists had fled to neighbouring countries though and D'laminet wished to put the violent Alarkists into a department that could handle any insurgency attempt. Therefore, one of the first departments that the Prime Minister created was the Department of War and Civil Obedience. He then appointed Henry Alark as it's Minister, and appointed many of his allies to key posts as parliamentary undersecretaries to the department, heads of the civil service, or into the Armed Forces of Empherias.

Felix D'laminet's main priority was modernising all laws within Empherias. Although serfdom and slavery was uncommon, it was outlawed entirely in the End of Serfdom Act 2397 with an end to all loopholes. He introduced a group of inspectors called the Inspector Elite, made up of tax collectors and other such guards, to go to real estate and make sure the land owners were obeying the law, paying the right taxes, etc. Furthermore he established the Department of Intelligence to led by Spymaster Sir James Cairns. These spies would not be used for neighbouring countries but be used to spy on prominent nobility to ensure they weren't plotting a counter revolution. The department was key in alerting the government to the later noble insurgency and the Battle of Priscei Cathedral and may be credited for helping in the Populist victory.

One of the things that D'laminet wanted to normalise was the delivery of a biannual budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Robert Webber every February and August with review to scrutiny by parliament. This made it clear that government spending could be criticised and be held accountable to opposition MPs outside of an election. A majority of MPs, if against the budget, could hold a vote to delay the budget to ask for amendments, but the executive would ultimately have final say when the budget becomes official in mid March or mid September. Robert Webber would work with First Lord of the Treasury Henry Watford often and this shifted their bond closer together outside of cabinet meetings with D'laminet, developing the Double W Relationship.

Laws launched in 2398 included the Protection of Ancient Artefacts Act 2398 which legally protected ancient artefacts and monuments under government ownership to be delegated to public museums or private museums holding a licence. These protections would often be delegated to private monument protection agencies or local councils and authorities. In 2398, there were small changes to the terms and conditions for enlisting soldiers and there was a small reform to the prison system which made political punishments much less severe. The year also saw the official coronation of Rijkdottir Abigail on Empherias National Day (21 December) where she made an incredibly powerful speech to the House of Parliament swearing to never by a tyrant.

There were less no laws in 2399 and more looking for stability. Investment was handed out to businesses in order to increase aggregate demand and grow the economy.

Henry Alark would found the Navy of Empherias officially holding a massive ceremony on the Ewynn River. Following countless months of negotiations, Alice Rettels announced that a deal with the government of Ahitereira-Koresa had been signed on 1 July 2400, the Treaty of Nieuwbourg was ratified by both parties by 8 July 2400. This treaty would see a huge uptick in support for Ahitereira-Koresa as allies within the nation and would also see international trade being done with the world for the first time - however it would take time to create. Nieuwbourg became a 'political' exclave of Empherias on the mouth of the river to the ocean. Empherias workers imported would work alongside local workers to fill local unemployment to build a new port although this would be done with cheap materials in a quick time by November 2403. The port would have tariffs set directly by the Empherias government but the land the port is on would be rented, with $1,200,000 paid annually to Ahitereira-Koresa. Furthermore, 50% of all profits earned by the port would be given to Ahitereira-Koresa. Empherias and Koresan workers would also build three railways connecting the port to Vreimer for processing trade. Two would be cargo while one would be a passenger route and all would be owned by the Empherias government under several different small government-owned firms. Several other terms were signed but the governments were happy with the deal and led to an explosion in population for Vreimer.

Homosexuality for men and women was made officially legal in the Sexuality Act 2402, although it was a non-punishable crime prior to this.

Following the formation of the Provisional Government, there were a lot of objectives on the agenda of the ruling party to bring Empherias back into a functioning state and one that could modernise. The biggest threat to the power of the newfound democracy with the faction of Frankists which had congregated around restoring the monarchy to power. It had been supported by rich and upper class people, lords and nobles and those who had to work for these nobles. They wished to return Rijkse James VII to power, although many are doubtful on how much he would want to return and fight his daughter, if at all. To combat their influence, D'laminet introduced the End of Serfdom Act 2397 which freed all working serfs (although not many) and made the practice illegal. Furthermore, he would send royal guards to large estates often to check that no serf-like practices were being used. The court would also give extended punishments to nobles who would continue to use serfdom such as seizure of lands, wealth and possible imprisonment.

Wishing to gain as much support from the working class, Felix D'laminet would expand the ability to vote to a universal franchise of any person of any background over 18 years of age with Empher citizenship. Seeking the vote of immigrants, he would also make Empher citizenship much easier to get requiring holding a permanent habitation visa for at least two years; spending at least forty-six weeks of the year in Empherias for the past two years; holding at least eighty percent of assets in Empherias; and having a job in Empherias, or be on the Register of Work if they are unemployed. Wanting to set a democratic precedent, the government introduced the Fixed Term Parliament Act 2397 which set elections to take every 2000 days (around 5 and a half years) with the PM able to hold an election early, but not later, than that date. Furthermore, parliament would have the ability to pass a motion to hold an early election without the approval of government with a majority of votes in favour. He also required parliament be formed via proportional representation.

In May 2397, Alice Rettels and Harry Redworks would travel to the Hveden Federation hoping to stop the idea of intervention on the side of the monarchists. They would also ask for aid in legitimising their government through recognition. Similar diplomatic trips were made to Ahitereira, Koresa and Karkuss. Amelia Rattsenburg was tasked with showing off the new government's pro-people policies with the use of frequently updated news articles in both privately owned papers, and a new public paper, the "Eye in Esthullen" managed by the Ministry of Information, headed by Rattsenburg. There would also be an appeal to help gain the support of the nobility to persuade them to change side from the Frankists.

Noble Insurgency
Henry Alark, the newly appointed Minister of Defence, would be tasked with turning the military into a formidable force able to fend off against a noble insurgency if it happened. General William Weslington was made Chief of the Armed Forces and would begin rigorous army officer training with appointments based on a meritocracy rather than birth-right. The National Army of Empherias would be reformatted from the previous monarchist rule and would be indoctrinated into new democratic values and taught at their military schools the negatives of monarchist rule. Elite troops would be inducted into the Royal Guards which would hold permanent standings in major cities and train lower ranked troops and officers. Various militia would be made up of volunteers and would begin training of two years - although there was fear in government that they didn't have that time.

The Battle of Priscei Cathedral broke out as noblemen rose up in the city of Priscei on 7 September 2397 and capture the city without resistance. Using local farms and food stores, they held in the town for two weeks as they were surrounded by the Empherias Army. Henry Alark personally. The noblemen, Lord Peter Rindelburg, had around 5000 militia although they were poorly trained and armed following restrictions on gun usage. The army surrounding the city was made up of 600 royal guards, and 15,000 national army troops. They laid a blockade which lowered the supplies of the nobles until 14 September. The following day, Alark ordered a siege and barraged the city from all sides. Due to superior training and morale, the Populist suffered just 800 casualties while the poor morale of the noblemen troops (because they fought out of obligation not genuine agreement) led to 4300 casualties, wiping out nearly the whole army from injuries, death or prisoners of war. Henry Alark had won the battle within just a week. Lord Peter was captured, had his titles stripped and was put on trial as a regular man in the Court of Wynnoa where he was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death.

The embarrassing defeat of the insurgency saw monarchist support dwindle. Many local lords still in power were forced to support the government or be moved from their posts by force from the people. The former Rijkse's disappearance and apparent happiness to live in a country estate in Hvede also led to the idea that the change to government was supported by the God as the new Rijkdottir supported the change. Many placed trust in the new government, especially the working class, who were able to vote for the first time. Some monarchist supporting nobles were stripped of their titles and lands to scare other lords from supporting monarchism. Rijkdottir Abigail released a statement on 1 December 2397 which essentially announced her decision to remove all her proper power and give it to the Prime Minister via royal prerogative, making her fundamentally a figurehead.

Welfare State
See also: Welfare State in Empherias

Following pending legislation, the Empherias Healthcare Service (eHCS) was established as a government body. Early government reports suggested paying for the service via an increase in traditional income taxes, but after consideration this idea was dropped in favour of a new national insurance system. The healthcare service would purchase all private healthcare and integrate their systems into a large united service. Initially, dentists, opticians and ear doctors were not covered under the healthcare service although it did introduce government loans for these services at reduced interest and increased return time. Private healthcare services that are not integrated into the system would have increased taxes to pay to subsidise the free healthcare. Although critics said this forced people to use the national health service, the government ensured that the government service would be run efficiently by health professionals and experts and ensure wait times on essential medication would be no longer than a year. Eventually, it was announced in 2403 that some money generated from regular taxes would go towards the service. All non-essential surgeries would be paid for privately through the eHCS service. Official state pensions were also set up under the Empherias Government Pension Commission (eGPC).

The Welfare State would also include state pensions, sickness benefit, unemployment benefit and funeral benefits. Furthermore, child benefits would be introduced for families for the first three children if their parents didn't earn enough income. There were also personal benefits available for those who worked but didn't get enough income to afford local housing or essentials like food and water. These benefits would be exempt from any taxes. All benefits would be attainable by everyone who had Empheri citizenship, or had a primacy visa.

D'laminet's Second Term
See also: 2402 General Election

Having won the 2402 general election, the Prime Minister now had a personal mandate to rule the country. During the election campaign, he set a promise of education reform, an investment into infrastructure, and a change to housing legislation. He promised an investment into expanding roads for the use of automobiles, while also devoting money to big cities to build more public transport systems. It is worth noting that in order to govern, the Populists had to make a coalition with the Socialist party and had to concede some demands. For example, the Socialists wished to make new housing more available to the working class.

Infrastructure policy
The government would invest large amounts of money into start-ups of private construction companies via contracts and subsidies. Further investment would go into the creation of asphalt or tarmac roads in the centre of major cities to upgrade the roads for up and coming automobiles. They would also upgrade many country-wide highways to allow for heavier trucks to traverse over the roads. Railways were still important and would receive city specific funding rather than governmental funding. Wynnoa, in particular, would spend a lot on railway improvements, opening up 7 more stations within the city's boundaries during the parliament of 2402-2407. Trams were experimented on in some cities such as Rhequons, but never reached high popularity elsewhere and were mostly shut down by 2410.

Housing policy
They would give away large amounts of buildable land on the outskirts of cities and this led to the creation of many new suburbs. It was of the government's interest for these to be poorer in quality than previous and be made from primarily wood. Meanwhile, new builds in the city would be made out of brick and concrete to avoid the spreading of fires in the much denser cities. To lead this, the government created a High-Regulation Building Zone which had strict regulations to building, and a Low-Regulation Building Zone which would have little to no building regulations. HRBZs were given to major city interiors and historical city councils, while LRBZs were given to much smaller towns who wished to expand, and empty plots of land throughout the country. It was important that the new housing was much cheaper and this led to the creation of much smaller suburban houses, and some research and development to larger skyscrapers. The Socialists pushed through legislation that would create a government scheme to make housing purchases cheaper for the working class through mortgage loans for new buyers, and discouraging two house purchases.

Other policies
Education reform didn't happen during the second term and was justified to parliament that they Populists didn't have time to create a cohesive curriculum and reform alongside the Socialist compromises that they had to make. In the mean time, they set a minimum schooling age of 5-14 where children must be in full time education in the Provision of Education Act 2404, outlawed all child labour in the Children in the Workforce Act 2405, and made education about maths, Empheri, and some sciences mandatory in the Education Mandatory Curriculum Act 2405.

The Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence Henry Alark announced an expansion to the Empherias army. This included an expansion to the number of reserves, which reached the goal of 70,000 in November 2406. There was also an urge to setup new barracks around larger cities, especially those near foreign countries. This pledge was somewhat successful, with 3 barracks being setup in cities on the Koresan border, 5 on the Palakkinen border and 11 across all other borders. A boy scouts programme was introduced for younger children to learn military discipline and military schools were setup for older students.

Alongside army reforms, the Ministry of Defence founded the Empherias navy in 2403. They pledged to have a working battleship by the end of 2413 which was a lofty and ambitious goal. All construction would happen in Nieuwbourg, as there was a concern of the battleship accidentally causing damage to the city, or being too big for the cities' ports. In order to not risk disobeying the treaty stipulations, fifty-percent of the work on building the battleship would be done by Koresan workers. There were discussions with several world naval powers to acquire plans and blueprints for new ironclad dreadnought type ships, alongside domestic research.

The government would introduce a wealth tax on those earning more than 250,000 krones per year which would be equal to 0.75x their income tax bracket.

D'laminet's Third Term
See also: 2407 General Election

Following a supply and demand agreement with Elizabeth Rose's socialist party, D'laminet set forth establishing the agenda for his third term. Not wanting to maintain total life long political power, he began plans to have his deputies have major support from the party and the country and with similar ideas to maintain democracy in a fresh country. Henry Watford and Robert Webber would begin making more frequent statements to the house of parliament as well as addresses via radio and newspapers.

Population growth policies
One of the earliest policies of the third term was on a promise they made during the election campaign of sustained population growth. They hoped this growth would lead to inherent economic growth and a rise in productivity. They focused on two types of growth: domestic and foreign. Domestic growth included new policies giving tax breaks to families who have three or more children, a government hand out to subsidise some parts of childcare known as the Childcare Benefit in poorer families, and introduction of strict child working laws which built on the pre-existing act, introducing the Children in the Workforce Act 2408 which redefined certain terms, closed loopholes, and altered some laws. D'laminet also promoted privately to media owners the use of larger families although the effect of this was non-mandatory and likely had little effect.

Foreign growth focused on encouraging immigration into the country. The path to citizenship would be made easier and shorter, an official unemployment office was established to find and give vagabonds proper jobs and keep count unemployment rates. D'laminet also promised the construction of 100,000 new houses to be built by 2412, although the project was cancelled prematurely by Elizabeth Rose, the future Prime Minister, in 2411, after just 86,500 houses had been constructed. These houses would house mostly homeless people and be given out for cheap. They were also built primarily near major cities such as Wynnoa and Esthullen increasing the sizes of their respective suburbs. Nehvedenbourg was founded as new town specifically for Hveden immigrants in the northwest near the Empheri-Hveden Western Railway Line although many houses here were built by the immigrants themselves and local councils and thus not counted in the total statistic by the government. Open borders with Weskynn was established after many governmental meetings - although it's implementation was delayed following their government losing power in late 2409. Furthermore, immigrant-friendly attitudes were forced to be taught in schools as it was expected some prejudice would be brought against them.

Many nationalist members of parliament, such as the Nationalist party, the Conservative party, and some right-wing Populist party members were concerned that the Empheri culture would be somewhat eradicated by this move. Therefore, the government brought back to light the ancient sport of sword-fighting, featured more culturally Empheri dress in media and government, founded the national holiday on 21 December every year in the middle of summer to celebrate the culture.

Policy regarding foreign entities
In September 2409, the House of Parliament passed the Tbekien Integration Act 2409 which would integrate the Tbekien territory officially into the Kingdom. A local governor was installed and given a cabinet position as the Minister of Tbekien although this office was later abolished during the 2450s in favour of a new Tbekien Assembly headed by a Mayor. The first ministerial position would be represented by Tbekien native Wigfred Eghloreson, a Populist MP.

Early in 2410, the Populist government began deep negotiations with Ahitereira, Karkuss and Hvede, to create an alliance within East Alaxia. The alliance lacked any clear goals and so the negotiating process took a while, went nowhere, and was greatly criticised by opposing political parties and even some party members and coalition members. After nearly a year of negotiations, the Foreign Minister eventually brought back a deal that had been signed with only the Hveden Federation and Kingdom of Karkuss establishing the AHEK Alliance. The name would be an acronym of all signing parties, although it included Ahitereira who didn't sign up in the end. The alliance morphed into a mutual defence alliance with pledges to defend the other with only some other benefits, that of a somewhat open border policy.

Outside of the AHEK Alliance, Empherias and Hvede signed a private deal, the Empheri-Hveden Technology Pact (EHTP). This would be negotiated by the Minister of Defence Henry Alark and Foreign Minister Alice Rettels and would promise the immediate handing over of control of the entire Empheri army to command of the Hveden government in case of a war of either country. The opposition criticised this government agreement as it took away much of Empherias' autonomy in terms of military operations, perhaps removed Alark's command over any forces, and could drag Empherias into any pointless Hveden war - offensive or defensive. This was unpopular after the revolution just ten years earlier had plunged the country into a state of disarray without much fighting itself. The EHTP would also guarantee the sharing of up to date army and naval technologies between the two countries which would keep the Empheri army up to date. Furthermore, both countries would gain military access to each other's territory and naval ports. A notable exception was commercial ports, which did not have free access.

Finally, the Treaty of Nieuwbourg would be amended and ratified with little real changes.

Education policy
D'laminet opted for a different approach to Education in his third term. Socialist MP Liza Veys would be appointed Minister of Education and proceeded with reforms. Primary education would be until 10 years of age, with secondary education introducing mandatory language learning for either Kusfeldic Hveden or Ahitereiran at age 11. An optional third language would be introduced at age 14 additionally. Children could leave school at age 16 and become a legal adult and be able to earn an adult's minimum wage. All children will take an exam at the end of Primary at age 10, and end of Secondary at age 16 to get qualifications. Later education starts at age 17 and will include universities. The first official government university was established in 2409 as Esthullen National College was turned into Esthullen University.

Other policies of the government
The populists early promised a devotion to industrialisation by committing to having the majority of the country industrialised by 2417 - just ten years. They promised an enlarged railway and transport network, with 15% more railway tracks, newer and up to date trains, safety procedures, and refurbished train stations; house prices that would increase price per year lower than the inflation rate; double the amount of reserve troops and equipment in army by 2413; an increase of 20% in the number of graduating school children leaving school with qualifications; higher average incomes for adults over 25; and better wealth and social equality across classes, gender, and race.

Of these promises, by their midterm of 2410, none had been achieved despite their implemented policies. After three years in office since the election, there had been just 200 metres more railway tracks built serving a line in West Esthullen, no new trains had been deployed since 2406, no safety procedures had been introduced amid fear of becoming overly safe, and no major train station refurbishments. However, of the railway promises, the government did announce an extra $20 million in funding for the government's railway initiative in late 2409, and scheduled refurbishments for three major Wynnoan stations to take place in March 2411. These did have some effects on enlarging the railway network, but overall so no major changes. There also were no changes to overall transport networks and other modes lacked any commitment. House prices did stay relatively stable especially with the planned 100,000 new government houses, of with 62% had been finished by 2410. With inflation at 2.7% and house prices rising just 0.4% on average of the previous three years. The army, apart from commitments in foreign policy, did not grow in size at all, let alone the committed doubling - however there still had another three years before the promise had to be delivered and some couple thousand troops were in minor training as of late 2410. With some education reforms, by 2410 the percentage of graduating school children leaving with degrees increased by a mere 7% instead of the promised 20% although this was a positive step. Higher average incomes, if accurate, did not effect the majority of the working class enough and many still complained of low wages. Overall, wealth and social equality remained relatively the size. In general though, industrialisation seemed to be going smoothly as many new factories were being built alongside companies and consumer goods increased in production.

End of D'laminet's premiership
Many opposition parties agreed that the government was becoming fatigued after a decade in power and the Socialists pulled out of the coalition agreement in November 2410, leaving the government with a minority government. Furthermore, by January 2411, there were rumours that Felix D'laminet was tired behind the scenes and wanted to resign anyway.