Spring Crisis of 1739

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Spring Crisis of 1739

Native name	La Crise Printanière (Alexandrian) La Crisis Primaveral (Martino) Pawqar Mit'a Sasachakuy (Wechua)
Date	3.III - 5.III.1739 AN
Duration	72 hours
Location	Cárdenas, with events across Nouvelle Alexandrie
Also known as	The Spring Uprising
Type	Failed coup d'état attempt
Target	Council of State of Nouvelle Alexandrie Constitutional government of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Participants	Constitutional Government: King Sinchi Roca II Premier Marissa Santini Federal loyalists Loyal military units Federal Guards Service National Salvation Front: Rogue military elements Civilian conspirators
Outcome	Coup attempt defeated Constitutional order preserved Military reforms enacted Strengthening of democratic institutions
Deaths	70
Non-fatal injuries	142
Inquiries	National Investigation Commission Military Reform Commission
Arrests	232
Accused	Gen. Ricardo Montero † Col. Felipe Salazar Maj. Eduardo Vega
Trial	Special Tribunal of 1739
Convictions	187 convicted of various charges
Sentence	Multiple life sentences issued
Led to establishment of National Unity Day (12.III)

The Spring Crisis of 1739, also known as the Spring Uprising (Alexandrian: La Crise Printanière; Martino: La Crisis Primaveral; Wechua: Pawqar Mit'a Sasachakuy), was a failed coup d'état attempt that occurred in Nouvelle Alexandrie from 3 to 5.III.1739 AN. The crisis began during the traditional spring parliamentary session when a group calling itself the "National Salvation Front" attempted to seize power through a coordinated military and civilian action. The coup attempt was decisively defeated through the combined efforts of loyal military units, the Federal Guards Service, and civilian resistance, notably featuring the personal intervention of King Sinchi Roca II.

The timing of the coup attempt during the spring planting season proved significant, as it coincided with both the opening session of the Cortes Federales for 1739 AN and important agricultural ceremonies in the Wechua Nation. The event marked a crucial test of New Alexandrian democratic institutions and ultimately led to substantial reforms in civil-military relations.

Background

The Spring Crisis emerged during a period of unprecedented challenges in Nouvelle Alexandrie. Following the East Keltian Collapse, the Federation absorbed over 10 million Anahuacano and over 100,000 Norse refugees, straining public resources and housing capacity. Housing costs in major cities rose by 45% between late 1737 AN and early 1739 AN.

Public confidence in traditional parties collapsed by early 1739 AN. The Federal Consensus Party saw its support fall to 31.2% from 40.8%, while the Federal Humanist Party declined to 30.8% from 39.2%, according to a poll by NBC News and the Institute of Public Opinion. The Alliance for a Just Nouvelle Alexandrie emerged as a significant third force, reaching 23.7% support by I.1739 AN.

Parliamentary Crisis

The 1739 AN parliamentary session opened amid heated debates over the Federal Refugee Integration Act, 1739 and the proposed Emergency Economic Measures Act, 1739. The latter sought to implement some price controls and dramatically expand public housing programs, measures strongly opposed by the Federal Humanist Party and the Liberty and Prosperity Alliance. A parliamentary deadlock over these issues had delayed the federal budget approval by six weeks, which passed with support from the Alliance for a Just Nouvelle Alexandrie.

Military Unrest

Discontent within military ranks centered on three key issues: resource allocation for border security, pension reform delays, and refugee-related deployments. General Ricardo Montero, commander of the 3rd Combined Arms Corps, had submitted three formal memoranda to the Department of Defense between VIII.1738 AN and II.1739 AN criticizing refugee security policies. Investigation later revealed Montero had recruited 28 senior officers and 204 junior officers to the coup plot, primarily from units stationed along the open border to the Keltian Green.

Seasonal and Cultural Factors

The coup attempt coincided with Pawqar Mit'a, the Wechua spring season (III.1739 AN). This period traditionally features the Tarpuy Raymi (Planting Festival) and the Llaqta Huñunakuy (Community Assembly), when agricultural communities gather for collective decision-making. These pre-existing community networks, particularly in the Wechua Nation and Santander, would prove crucial in organizing civilian resistance to the coup.

Timeline

Initial Actions (3.III.1739)

• 02:15 - Approximately 200 armed men, later identified as members of the 3rd Combined Arms Corps, infiltrate the NBC Silver Tower Broadcasting City and the Federal Communications Center in Cárdenas. Security footage later revealed the infiltrators had valid military credentials.
• 03:00 - Strategic communications blackout implemented across central Cárdenas. Television, radio, and telephone services are disrupted in government districts. Emergency services switch to backup systems.
• 03:45 - National Salvation Front forces, comprising an estimated 2,000 troops, secure positions around the Legislative Palace, Government House, El Fuerte, and the Federal Bank of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Col. Felipe Salazar issues first communique declaring military control.
• 04:30 - Three mechanized battalions under Maj. Eduardo Vega attempt to seize El Fuerte military headquarters. Initially successful in occupying outer perimeter.
• 05:15 - Gen. Ricardo Montero makes first national broadcast from NBC Silver Tower, announcing "emergency measures to restore order" and declaring temporary military administration. Claims support of 40% of armed forces.
• 06:00 - King Sinchi Roca II, at the time in Valencia at his Chambéry residence, La Alborada, firmly rejects coup representatives' request for royal endorsement. Orders Federal Guards Service to protect key institutions.
• 07:30 - Elite units of the Federal Guards Service secure Palace of Carranza after brief firefight. 12 coup supporters captured, 3 casualties reported.
• 09:00 - King Sinchi Roca II makes historic radio broadcast from secure location in Chambéry, declaring coup illegal and calling for military loyalty. Speech notably cites "sacred duty to constitutional order."
• 12:00 - Spontaneous civilian protests emerge in Punta Santiago, Parap, Cárdenas, Beaufort, Lausanne, and Chambéry. Estimated 577,800 demonstrators gather at Federation Park in Cárdenas despite coup forces' presence.
• 15:00 - Federal Air Force conducts show of force over Cárdenas with 24 aircraft. Air Force Chief Marshal Jean-Claude Benitez publicly declares loyalty to crown.
• 21:00 - Heavy fighting erupts near Cárdenas International Airport as loyal 1st Combined Arms Corps units engage coup forces attempting to secure air traffic control facilities.

Government Response (4.III.1739)

• 04:00 - King Sinchi Roca II arrives in Cárdenas aboard loyal Federal Air Force helicopter unit from 12th Special Operations Squadron. Operation Crown Return involves decoy flights and complex security measures. Premier Marissa Santini, who had been secured at a military facility in Punta Santiago, is informed of the King's arrival.
• 05:30 - Federal Royal Guard units successfully retake Federal Communications Center and NBC Silver Tower in coordinated dawn raid. 45 coup supporters captured, building secured with minimal damage to broadcast equipment.
• 08:00 - King Sinchi Roca II makes pivotal televised address from El Fuerte command bunker, wearing military uniform of Commander-in-Chief. Speech directly orders all military units to return to constitutional authority. Premier Santini and key members of the Council of State join the King, demonstrating government unity.
• 10:00 - Seven major military formations publicly declare loyalty, including strategic 2nd Combined Arms Corps in Wechua Nation and 4th Combined Arms Corps in Valencia. Combined force of over 120,000 troops return to government control. Council of State begins coordinating with regional governors to restore civilian authority.
• 12:00 - Coup forces begin evacuating occupied government buildings as position becomes untenable. Legislative Palace and the Federal Bank of Nouvelle Alexandrie returned to government control after brief negotiations. Premier Santini establishes temporary government headquarters at El Fuerte.
• 14:00 - Unprecedented civilian mobilization reaches estimated 8 million protesters nationwide. Largest gatherings reported in Punta Santiago (1,000,000), Parap (850,000), and Cárdenas (500,000). Council of State issues directive protecting right to peaceful assembly.
• 16:00 - Col. Felipe Salazar and three other senior coup leaders captured at Puerto Carrillo, Santander attempting to board private aircraft. Maj. Eduardo Vega surrenders to loyal forces at El Fuerte. Premier Santini personally supervises initial interrogations.
• 18:00 - Approximately 1,800 troops from rebel units lay down arms in coordinated surrender. Federal Guards Service begins securing weapons and processing detained personnel. Council of State establishes special detention protocols.
• 20:00 - Emergency session of Council of State convened under Premier Santini's leadership. Government confirms control of all strategic locations while Gen. Ricardo Montero remains at large with small loyalist group. Council begins drafting emergency measures to stabilize nation.
• 23:00 - King Sinchi Roca II, joined by Premier Santini and full Council of State, delivers second national address from restored NBC Silver Tower. Crisis declared "decisively contained" while national curfew maintained as precaution. Premier announces formation of special investigation commission.

Resolution (5.III.1739)

• 07:00 - Gen. Ricardo Montero and final 127 coup loyalists surrender at El Fuerte after six-hour negotiation mediated by the Archbishop of Geneva and the Titular Emperor of the Alexandrians, Edgard III. Montero dies in subsequent firefight after attempting to seize guard's weapon, marking the coup's final casualty.
• 09:00 - Council of State releases comprehensive arrest figures: 232 total detainees including 28 senior officers, 147 junior officers, 42 civilian conspirators, and 15 foreign nationals. Premier Marissa Santini announces creation of special military tribunal.
• 11:00 - Historic military loyalty ceremony conducted at Federation Park in Cárdenas with representatives from all service branches. Over 10,000 troops participate in ceremony where King Sinchi Roca II personally receives renewed oaths of allegiance from military command structure. Federal Air Force conducts dramatic 100-aircraft flyover.
• 14:00 - Emergency session of Federal Assembly convenes with 612 of 689 Deputies present. Assembly unanimously passes Emergency Powers Act, 1739 granting government temporary authority to reorganize military command. Opposition leaders Maximilian de Almagro (FHP) and Gabrielle Fitzgerald (AJNA) pledge full support for stabilization measures.
• 16:00 - Premier Santini announces formation of National Investigation Commission, to be headed by Supreme Court Justice Elena Vidal and including representatives from all major parties. Commission granted unprecedented powers to investigate both military and civilian institutions.
• 18:00 - King Sinchi Roca II delivers landmark "Unity and Democracy" speech from Palace of Carranza balcony to crowd of estimated 750,000. Speech, broadcast live across nation, emphasizes constitutional monarchy's role as guardian of democracy and announces comprehensive military reform program dubbed "Operation Clean Hands."
• 20:00 - Nation-wide curfew lifted except in military districts. Federal Bank of Nouvelle Alexandrie announces markets will reopen following day. Council of State approves emergency economic measures to stabilize currency and maintain public confidence.
• 22:00 - Joint declaration by King, Premier, and Federal Assembly formally announces coup's defeat. Document, later known as the "Spring Proclamation," establishes annual democracy celebrations and creates new national honors for civilian resistance leaders.
• 23:45 - Final military situation report confirms all coup-related military units fully disarmed and secure. Federal Guards Service assumes temporary control of affected bases pending leadership restructuring.

Reaction

Domestic

The immediate domestic response to the Spring Crisis revealed deep institutional resilience while exposing societal tensions within Nouvelle Alexandrie. The crisis prompted rare political unity across party lines. Opposition leader Maximilian de Almagro of the Federal Humanist Party declared "unwavering support for constitutional order" during an emergency Federal Assembly session on 6.III.1739 AN. The Alliance for a Just Nouvelle Alexandrie suspended its planned general strike, with party leader Gabrielle Fitzgerald calling for "democracy before ideology." The Federal Assembly demonstrated unprecedented cooperation through unanimous passage of the Emergency Powers Act, 1739, with all 612 present deputies voting in favor. This spirit of cooperation extended to cross-party support for military reform legislation, a joint resolution condemning coup participants, and bipartisan participation in the investigation commission.

Different regions of the Federation showed distinct response patterns. In Alduria, the Regional Parliament convened an emergency session supporting the federal government, while Governor Maria Elena Villanueva mobilized regional police to protect key infrastructure. The Wechua Nation's traditional community networks (ayllus) organized civilian resistance, with the Regional Council issuing a declaration in Wechua language rejecting the coup attempt as "attack on ancient and modern liberties alike." Valencia's commercial sector led opposition to the coup, with the Valencia Chamber of Commerce coordinating a general business strike affecting 80% of the regional economy. In North Lyrica, maritime unions shut down major ports, with dock workers in Beaufort preventing coup sympathizers from accessing naval facilities. Santander's agricultural cooperatives organized food supply networks to support protest movements, while regional militia units remained loyal to the constitutional government.

Media Response

Major media outlets maintained broadcasting through alternative means during the crisis. The Aldurian published emergency editions using backup printing facilities, while NBC News continued broadcasts via regional transmitters.

Economic Impact

The three-day crisis created significant but temporary economic disruption. While the stock market suspended trading for two days and the New Alexandrian écu declined 4% against major currencies, the banking system remained stable due to Federal Bank of Nouvelle Alexandrie interventions. Insurance claims from the crisis were estimated at 2.1 billion écus.

Religious Institutions

Religious leaders emerged as significant voices during the crisis. The Autocephalous Nazarene Church of Alexandria strongly condemned the coup attempt, while the High Priest of Inti issued a rare political statement supporting constitutional order.

Civil Society

Civil society organizations proved crucial in opposing the coup attempt. University student unions organized peaceful protests while professional associations issued joint statements supporting democracy. Labor unions coordinated work stoppages, and veterans' organizations publicly backed the constitutional order.

Less peaceably inclined, the Humanist Vanguard responded to calls by the FHP to "uproot the nest of traitors" by going out onto the streets in major cities throughout the Federation in pursuit of suspected coup sympathisers. In certain jurisdictions, such as North Lyrica, the suspicion of active collusion by regional authorities in the anti-coup purges could not be entirely discounted.

Public Opinion

Polling conducted in the week following the crisis revealed overwhelming public opposition to the coup attempt, with 89% of respondents expressing disapproval. The King's handling of the crisis received 92% approval, while 76% of respondents supported subsequent military reforms. More than two-thirds of the population, 68%, favored stricter oversight of the armed forces. These figures demonstrated that the crisis ultimately strengthened public confidence in democratic institutions while highlighting the need for continued vigilance against anti-democratic forces.

International

•  Benacian Union: "Traitors must always perish" was the title of a communiqué from Chryse published in response to the coup attempt.
•  Çakaristan: On hearing news of the attempted coup, the Shahanshah issued a message to King Sinchi Roca II offering assistance. In a hasty press conference, the grand vizier reported concerns about developments in Nouvelle Alexandrie and to monitor the situation. "Support for constitutional order is the government's position," said Mazyar Behdad
•  Lac Glacei: Grand Duke Augustin of Lac Glacei issued a statement of support for King Sinchi Roca III and urged citizens of Nouvelle Alexandrie to engage their government in civil discourse to seek resolutions to the economic crisis, noting that violence does not achieve anything.
•  Moorland: King MacMartin denounced the coup attempt and offered the firm support of Moorland, despite the kingdom facing its own economic woes as a result of the East Keltian Collapse. In a press statement, he noted "We must preserve humanity and help those in need; as difficult as that may be at times. Let us not descend into barbarism, for that path leads only to destruction.".

See also

• Sinchi Roca II
• Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Federal Refugee Integration Act, 1739
• Emergency Economic Measures Act, 1739
• General Appropriations and Taxation Act, 1739
• Emergency Powers Act, 1739
• National Investigation Commission
• Military Reform Commission
• Special Tribunal of 1739
• Spring Proclamation of 1739