Shiro-Benacian Cold War
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Treaty of Gaelen's Landing (1707) · Treaty of Raynor's Keep (1711) · Operation Jagdbeute (1724) · Sathrati Emergency (1730–1732) · Journey to the West (1730) · Day of Rage (1731) · Cisamarrese insurrection (1731) |
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The Shiro-Benacian Cold War was a period of significant geopolitical tension between the Imperial Republic of Shireroth and the emerging Benacian Union, two major powers within the Raspur Pact. This period of strained relations lasted for several years and was characterized by a series of political, economic, and military confrontations between the two nations.
One of the key factors contributing to the escalation of tensions was the election of anti-Pact politicians during the 1717 Shirerithian general elections, after which relations between the two nations kept detoriating as Shireroth began more openly criticizing Benacian dominance in the Pact and parts of its own nation. It eventually ended in the eruption of a massive, total war: the Shiro-Benacian war.
Background
The roots of this animosity can be traced back to the turbulent times following the Kalirion Fracture, which occurred near the end of the 17th century. As a consequence of this catastrophic event, Shireroth and numerous vassal states found themselves suddenly independent and vulnerable. In response to these chaotic circumstances, the infamous Black Legions rose to prominence. These militarized forces formed the foundation of what would become the Unified Governorates, gradually coming to dominate other entities such as the Free City of Chryse, Elluenuueq, and the Sovereign Confederation, which formed into the Benacian Union in 1698 AN after the Second Elwynnese Civil War.
At the tender age of six, Kaiseress Salome assumed the Mango Throne of Shireroth in 1671. Amidst the turmoil caused by the Kalirion Fracture, Salome remained secluded on the island of Kezan until 1675, only returning to the capital city of Shirekeep once stability started to take hold. Throughout her minority, Chrysostom Wythe, the Count of Woodshire, served as steward and regent on her behalf, guiding Shireroth through its early stages of recovery.
Under Salome's rule, Shireroth gradually began to heal, albeit slowly. A brief interlude came in the form of a (temporary) protectorate established over the Kingdom of Batavia during the mid-1680s. Although this alliance proved ephemeral, it contributed significantly toward restoring the prestige and influence of the Shirerithian crown.
However, the expansion of the Benacian Union represented a looming challenge to Shireroth's aspirations for regional hegemony. When the Treaty of Gaelen's Landing was signed in 1707, integrating the lands Jingdaoese Empire into Shireroth as overseas imperial dominions, the scales appeared to tip decidedly in favor of the rapidly recovering Imperial Republic. Following the incorporation of Batavia as a permanent imperial dominion in 1711 AN with the Treaty of Raynor's Keep, Shireroth seemed poised to solidify its position as a dominant force within Micras.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Ransenar dissolved its personal union with Shireroth in the same year and opted to join the rival Benacian Union as a constituent member state. Enraged by this development, many high-ranking noble families in Shirekeep harbored increasing resentment against their counterparts across the river. Furthermore, much of the newly acquired populace of Shireroth held deep suspicions or outright hostility toward the Benacian brand of Humanism: a combustible mixture of grievances just waiting for a spark to ignite open conflict.
Fueling the fire of resentment (1710's - 1730's)
- Growing resentment among sections of the nobility against humanism, further fueled by the traditional hatred and distrust of the Jing for the Benacian military-complex and by fear of the Batavians for the growing power of their neighbour.
- Humanist parties continued to poll well in elections throughout the period, in spite of the hostility of the Imperial Government.
- Increased awareness of Benacian participation in Shireroth's economic and social life.
- Desire to regain financial, military, political independence from the BU (Raspur Pact seen as one of the means of their expansionism).
- Shiro-Benacian naval arms race
