Shiro-Benacian Cold War: Difference between revisions
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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 (1710s - 1730s)
Political and Economic Friction
Throughout the 1710s and 1720s, the strained relationship between Shireroth and the Benacian Union deepened, exacerbated by conflicting visions for the future of the Raspur Pact. Shireroth’s government increasingly voiced criticisms of what it perceived as Benacian dominance in the Pact and blamed the Benacian Union for demanding rights like freedom to move through the Imperial Republic while itself limited trade and set up travel restrictions. Particularly its economic policies and Humanist ideology alienated many in Shireroth’s society, further fueled by the traditional hatred and distrust of the Jing for the Benacian military-complex and by fear of the Batavians for the power of their neighbor. Humanist parties continued to poll well in elections throughout the period, in spite of the hostility of the Imperial Government. However, the 1717 Shirerithian general elections marked a turning point, with the victory of anti-Pact politicians advocating for a more independent Shireroth and an independent coarse. This ideological rift translated into tangible policies aimed at limiting Benacian influence in Shireroth's domestic affairs.
Shireroth sought to disentangle itself from its economic dependence on the Benacian Union. Efforts to rebuild its military and industrial base were accompanied by economic nationalism, with increasingly new policies designed to curtail the power of Benacian-aligned corporations operating within Shirerithian territories. These moves were met with retaliatory measures from the Benacian Union, leading to a gradual decoupling of the two economies.
Growing Resentment
Among Shireroth’s political and social elites, resentment against Benacian Humanism grew. This was particularly pronounced in the Jingdaoese dominions and Batavia, where the anti-Humanist sentiment was deeply entrenched or equated with Kildarian extremist elements. Li Suyi called it, while in essence and attractive ideology, an ideology for deluded fools. The imperial government under Louis Thuylemans struggled to balance these sentiments with the realities of Raspur Pact membership, contributing to political instability.
This period also witnessed increasing militarization, with both powers engaging in a naval arms race. Shireroth invested heavily in modernizing its fleet, particularly in its overseas dominions, to counter Benacian control over key trade routes and sea lanes. This would prove succesful when war eventually broke out in 1733 AN.
Indirect military conflicts (1720s - 1730s)
The cold war was punctuated by several indirect conflicts and skirmishes, particularly during the 1720s and early 1730s. These confrontations further escalated tensions and set the stage for the eventual hot war.
One of the most notable episodes was Operation Jagdbeute, a covert Benacian operation aimed at disrupting Shireroth’s military supply chains. The operation involved sabotage and targeted strikes against strategic Shirerithian assets in Apollonia and Keltia, severely damaging infrastructure and deepening hostility between the two powers.
The Sathrati Emergency marked the final major indirect conflict of the cold war. It was sparked by a pro-Benacian insurrection in the Sathrati Dominion, which aimed to establish a Humanist-aligned government. The rebellion was clandestinely supported by elements within the Benacian Union, while Shireroth responded with a massive military crackdown, deploying units to suppress the uprising. The campaign culminated in Shireroth’s victory, but at a significant cost, both financially and in terms of its international reputation. This conflict underscored the fragility of Shireroth’s overseas dominions and highlighted the extent of Benacian infiltration into its sphere of influence. Nontheless, it also proved to be a valuable lesson for the Shirerithians, as it strengthened their resolve and formed a good learning school for a new generation of young officers.
