-Official name: Nord Deutsches Verein/North German Union
-Common name: North Germany, Germany
-Capital: Hanover
-Languages: Low German (official), Central German and Dutch German
-Type of government: Parliamentary/Elective Monarchy
-Leaders:King: Joseph III Prime Minister: Johann Albrecht Moltke
-Location: North and Central Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark
-Flags: (See MC3's Flag Thread)
-Emblem: Black Eagle
Historical profile
The aggressive rise of Burgundy in the Low Countries forced the northern German states to form a defensive pact to try and guarantee their independence. It was originally called the Hanseatic Pact, so called since most of its members were also members of the Hanseatic League. The members of the new alliance promised to defend each other in case of a Burgundian invasion from the west. After the Gothic annexation of Scania Denmark also joined the pact. After setting their headquarters in Hanover the kings and dukes of the north began to try and coordinate their forces. The invasion began when the Burgundian fleet bombarded Oldenburg in 1684. The alliance soon kicked in and war was declared across northern Germany. The Frisian War lasted for 4 years, devastating a stretch of land from Utrecht to Bremen, but the Germans finally achieved victory with the surrender of Amsterdam. In the resulting Treaty of Münster the upper Netherlands was released as an independent state and member of the Pact, including the vital port of Rotterdam. Another, less obvious, result of the war was the sense of community expressed by the German states in their common struggle, a sense of unity never felt in Germany since the fall of the Carolingian Empire.
The north German states signed the Treaty of Maastricht in 1720, formally creating the North German Union out of the decade old Hanseatic Pact. The new Union began streamlining both internal and external matters, such as the formation of formal trading leagues such as the Geise Bay Trading League and the Nostosian Trading League. The independence movements in the New World crippled the German Empire, but allowed for it to expand in other areas whilst other Europeans still fought onto the increasingly tense colonies. South East Asia, including major centres of trade in Bangkok and Singapore, was annexed in 1748 and Nostosia was claimed in 1772. When the Free State of Nostosia was declared in 1820, experience from the New World allowed Germany to keep hold of the east coast whilst the rebels ran rampant in the centre and east of the continent. Germany also got fully involved in the scramble for Africa, claiming some rich colonies in the process, although this opened up rivalries with Portugal and the Celts for land. By the 1900, Germany is one of the strongest nations in the world, with a top class military and a sophisticated industrial base. All this will become vital as the new century progresses.
Cultural profile
Being surrounded by possible enemies, Burgundy in the west, Gothia in the north, the Bavarian Empire to the south and Poland to the east, has left a militaristic tradition in North Germany. They pride in the strength of their army, which analysts have described as the best in Europe in terms of quality. North German is based around showing how together the once small German states can stand against any obstacle, whether Burgundian or otherwise. The German excellent education system and liberalism are emphasised greatly. Generally classicalism is the accepted culture. The works of classical artists and composers are shown regularly throughout the nation. Yet despite this surrealist and abstract art is immensely popular among the population, and more radical music from African and Nostosian origin are often heard when walking down the streets at night. Berlin in particular, as a young city, is swimming in this vibrant mixture of modern arts, acting as an unofficial cultural centre.
Political profile
Ever since the foundation of the Union in 1720, the monarchy has been elective as compromise so that no single state would dominate the Royal House, a council set up for the monarchs of the member states to elect the monarch of the whole nation. The monarch of North Germany is elected for life from the Royal House and will remain as head of state until his death, whereupon a new monarch is elected.
After the 1800 Cultural Revolution a parliament was established to appease the people and avoid revolution. Originally created as a symbolic body, with real power in the hands of the monarchs, their roles have shifted somewhat. By 1850 the parliament was dominant, with the monarchs acting in a symbolic role. Each member state elects 3 MP’s to the Diet in Hanover. A Prime Minister is elected by the people for a 5 year term, and allowed to seek re-election for a second term, but no more. North Germany operates under a ‘First Past the Post’ system of government that, although criticized as ‘less democratic’ that the system of ‘Proportional Representation’ used by other governments, allows for more visible change in government policies.
By 1900 the main parties of North Germany are the Liberal Party and the Unionist party. Each caters to a specific section of the population: the Liberals desire for greater freedom for the states, free market and government non-intervention whilst the Unionists favour a strong federal government and economic regulation. However, ever since the Industrial Revolution of the mid-1800s the German Socialist Party has been receiving increasing support from the growing working class, even winning the Westphalian general election in 1892. By 1900 it now seems possible for a Socialist candidate to become Prime Minister. Other parties include German National Party, which desires total German unification, the Radical Party, followers of the ideology of Radical Socialism, and a weak Independence Party, who wish for the abolishment of the Union and the return to the old Pact-era.
