Quebecshire

Serene State of Quebecshire l'État Serein du Québecshire
Flag Seal
Motto: "l'Avenir est aux nous!" Jackian: "The future belongs to us!"
Anthem: Des montagnes aux forêts ("The Mountains to the Forests")
Capital and largest city	Quebecshire City
Official languages	Quebecshirite
Ethnic groups	92% Quebecshirites 8% Other
Religion	No Official
Demonym(s)	Quebecshirite
Government	Mixed System Oligarchy Parliamentary
• Grandmaster	André Bellerose
• Speaker of the Parliament	Lucien LaRochelle
History
• Consular Republic	479 CE
• Charters of Quebecshire Signed	17 March 1197
• Current Constitution	16 September 1624
Population
• (2017 estimate) estimate	234 million (3rd)
GDP (nominal)	2018 estimate
• Total	₵14.7 trillion credits (1st)
• Per capita	₵62,982 credits (2nd)
Gini (2018)	0.290 low
HDI (2018)	0.974 very high · 1st
Currency	Quebecshirite Credit (QSC)
Time zone	AMT+1 (QST)
Driving side	right
Calling code	+1
Internet TLD	.qs

Quebecshire, officially the Serene State of Quebecshire (Quebecshirite: l’État Serein du Québecshire) is a large nation on the Ecros continent of Terraconserva. It is bordered in the southwest by Eleutherios, Montesayette, and Majocco; to the northwest by Svedonia, Tirol; to the north by Entropan; to the east by the Vernier Ocean, and to the south by the Caelean Sea. Quebecshire’s largest city and capital is Quebecshire City, with a metropolitan population of 39 million inhabitants, but Bostonia and Orléans are also major economic, cultural, and political centers.

Modern-day Quebecshire was first settled in the bronze age by Rhazan tribes before the Ayreoshubic Empire gained control of regions along the Caelean coast. After the collapse of the Ayreoshubic Empire, development of a unique identity in the region continued until the formation of the Quebecshirite Consular Republic in 479 CE. During the Middle Ages, the Consular Republic and other smaller states continued to expand until the Charters of Quebecshire were signed in 1197, calling for the annexation of Rhaza by the Consular Republic. The ensuing Quebecshirite state, now close to the size of modern-day Quebecshire, divided its territory into several cantons in order to govern more effectively. However, the canton system led to internal disputes which eventually sparked the Quebecshirite Civil War from 1607-1623.

The Orléans Negotiations that ended the civil war brought about a new form of government, transitioning Quebecshire into a unitary state governed by an executive High Council and a legislative Parliament. The new government introduced mercantilism to Quebecshire and instituted several policies to standardize Quebecshirite language and culture. Mercantilist thought eventually led to the adoption of liberal capitalist economics in industrial Quebecshire, while popular opinion was that the government had no role in economic intervention. This changed during the Red April of 1902, where the High Council pressured Parliament into instituting socialist reforms nationalizing several companies accused of holding monopolies or committing safety/worker's rights abuses. The Terraconserva Council of Nations was founded in 1952, with its headquarters in Bostonia, Quebecshire.

Quebecshire is one of the superpowers of the world, with the largest economy, largest armed forces, and second largest population in the world. The nation is led by Grandmaster André Bellerose and Speaker of the Parliament Lucien LaRochelle through a unique form of government which combines elements of monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy. The Quebecshirite language is considered to be one of the world languages, being the primary global language in the fields of academia, trade, and science. Due to this, Quebecshirite culture has spread throughout the world, being especially prominent in Ecros. Quebecshire is a founding and permanent member of the Terraconserva Council of Nations, and has permanent veto powers as one of the "Big Three."

Etymology

It is a general consensus among researchers that the word Quebecshire means "the place where the river narrows." The prefix Quebec meaning "where the river narrows" and the suffix shire meaning place, division, or location. Given the close proximity of the city to the Franconian River, that is the theorized origin of the name. While the Franconian River flows outward, the Bay of Orléans narrows into the river from an upriver-moving perspective.

History

Antiquity

Vestiges of the Aqueduct of Rheia, built around 120 BCE.

The Ayreoshubic Empire was a large ancient nation-state that ruled over areas of what is now southern Quebecshire, southern Eleutherios, eastern Terranihil, and northeastern Pavulturilor along the Caelean Coast. The civilization is most known for the development of the Ayreoshubic alphabet, currently believed to be the earliest alphabet in the world, developed around 2100 BCE. The Ayreoshubic language would later develop into an early form of Eleutherian, and is also the distant parent language of modern Quebecshirite and other languages indigenous to Ecros. The civilization, based in modern-day Eleutherios, had a significant influence on southern Quebecshire during its existence, and settled at least one city, Hestania.

The Ayreoshubic Empire collapsed around 1900 BCE due to famine and issues governing its vast territories, leading to the abandonment and subsequent destruction of Hestania. The collapse of the Ayreoshubic state led to a state of instability in southern Quebecshire, as tribes and settlements that relied on the Ayreoshubic's vast trade network (in part built off of its conquests including Alaia) had to cope with the sudden loss of valuable resources. However, despite the fallout associated with Hestania's destruction, the introduction of the Ayreoshubic language to the territories was important in the growth of civilization in the region, leading to rudimentary city-states forming along the coast of the Vernier Ocean. The post-Ayreoshubic civilizations were focused on trade and eventually consisted of several settlements that exerted large amounts of influence in the region, but would not be truly united by a formidable civilization until the city-state of Rheia formed what is now known as the Rheian Confederation in the 250s BCE. The Rheian Confederation, centered in the northern regions of modern-day Quebecshire near the modern Quebec Megalopolis, spoke an early form of Quebecshirite and eventually developed naval technology that allowed them to trade with settlements in the former Ayreoshubic Empire. During this time, the Rheians began referring to the region of their homeland as "Quebec," and often referred to the southern region of former Ayreoshubic influence as Rhaza.

The Rheian Confederation eventually made contact with the Kingdom of Reykanes, leading to sparse trade and exchange of knowledge between the two nations. The War of the Aegir broke out between the two nations as a result of Reykani raiding in 28 BCE, which led to the destruction of several Rheian coastal settlements. It is believed that a short-lived Reykani incursion into the Rheian homeland was repelled in 25 BCE, and the war ended by 23 BCE. The war led to increased naval innovation in Quebecshire and solidified the Rheian Confederation's place as the premier power in the region. The Rheian Confederation was dissolved in around 190 CE, but was successful in creating a unified culture in the region, as city-states in both Quebec and Rhaza used Quebecshirite as a lingua franca. Archaeological finds suggest that Rhazan settlements had limited contact with traders from the Romanyan Empire.

Expansion period

Expansion of the Quebecshirite Consular Republic from 479 CE to 900 CE.

Beginning in the 3rd century CE, civilizations in Quebec took a keen interest in the exploration of the world and settlement of uninhabited regions, according to the ancient Quebecshirite author Camille. Many anthropologists believe that this is due to the introduction of advanced theories regarding the world's origin and structure in the region. Quebecshire City was founded by the Quebecois in roughly 321 CE, located near the site of the former city of Rheia. According to regional myth, the city was founded by François le Grand, an ancient explorer, philosopher, and warlord who declared that the surrounding bay needed to be annexed to become the dominant civilization in the region. By 419 CE, Bostonia had been permanently established to the northeast of Quebecshire City along the Bay of Orléans. Orléans, originally created as a primitive fort by Bostonians to ward off threats, was considered an established and separate city by 430 CE. The Quebecshirite Consular Republic was declared in 479 CE by Guérin of Bostonia, being ruled by three consuls, one from each of the main cities along the Bay of Orléans.

From the 6th century to the 8th century, as little social progress was made in Rhaza due to competing interests and disorder in the region, significant efforts were made by the Quebecois to expand their influence. This was, in part, due to an edict by Reynaud the Conqueror, the Consul from Quebecshire City, calling for the conquest and eventual unification of the region to realize the dream of François le Grand. An initial party led by Reynaud himself departed from Quebecshire City in 602 CE, annexing the regions that were formally declared Portsmouth in 602 CE. Further expeditions heading southward were able to gain significant amounts of territory along the Vernier Ocean, culminating in the annexation of inland regions in the early 8th century, including area which would become the agricultural hub of Sanborn-Gaza.

Large-scale westward integration became increasingly commonplace as both civilian and military expeditions were ordered to take advantage of untouched resources and expand Quebecshirite civilization. Explorers, farmers, and envoys of leadership moved west for new opportunities. As a result of this new effort, Abraham was founded as a main settlement in the central western region, and Franconia was declared on the edges of the vast mountain ranges of the northwest. While Abraham served as an outpost, Franconia was settled in 844 CE due to Quebecshirite explorers believing that the site contained powerful ancient crystals, according to a myth spread by indigenous people.

By 1020 CE, the Rhazan city-state of Gaspésie had accumulated a significant amount of wealth and power in the region, owing to their extensive trade network from modern-day Entropan to Eleutherios. However, no substantial contact between Gaspésie and any of their foreign trade partners existed since the collapse of the Ayreoshubic Empire, leading to Laurent (led by Duke Fontaine II in 1020) seeking diplomatic integration with its neighbors. In 1027 CE, Fontaine II established formal relationships with the Quebecshirite Consular Republic, and Quebecshire endorsed a Gaspésian effort to unify the Rhazan city-states. By 1150 CE, Gaspésie succeeded in conquering the south of modern-day Quebecshire, settling the fortified town of Yamachiche in the west in 1197 CE. The same year, ruling Duke Fontaine IV of Gaspésie suddenly died from disease at the age of 29, leaving no heir or obvious successor in his place. Fearing that a fragmented Rhaza would result in instability that would carry over into Quebecshire, the Quebecshirite Consulate signed the Charters of Quebecshire, a document calling for the annexation of Rhaza as an integral part of the Quebecshirite Republic. This authorized a cavalry expedition, led by Consul Mathis of Orléans, to take control of Gaspésie. After arriving in Gaspésie, the Quebecshirite cavalry met little resistance and was successful in annexing the Rhaza region, establishing a Quebecshire that shares similar borders to the modern day Serene State.

Congressional state

Early Congressional Period

Map of the approximate territorial claims of the Quebecshirite cantons in 1250.

Following the annexation of Gaspésie, the Consuls from Quebecshire City, Bostonia, and Orléans found themselves in control of an empire that spanned several thousand kilometers in length and controlled cities that took a several-weeks journey to reach. Realizing that immediate reform was necessary to hold control of their new territories, they amended the Charters of Quebecshire to include provisions radically changing the government of Quebecshire. Primarily, the revised Charters established the Quebecshirite cantons, dividing Quebecshire into seventeen feudal cantons that held large degrees of autonomy over their territories. The Congress of the Cantons was established as an early legislature, endowed with the duties of managing foreign relations, domestic commerce and resources, and raising a standing military force to defend Quebecshire if needed. In the following decades, the cantons were further divided into an amalgamation of feudal territories that maintained civilized rule in the cantons.

The first session of the Congress of the Cantons was convened in 1201 to elect the first Lord Protector of Quebecshire, who would serve as the head of government/state of Congressional Quebecshire under the Charters. After three days of deliberation, the Congress elected Mathis of Orléans to the position. In 1209, Mathis successfully defused the Sherbrooke crisis, in which the Canton of Sherbrooke was attempting to raise an army to march on Quebecshire City and challenge Mathis' rule as Lord Protector. His quick action against the Sherbrooke revolt successfully asserted the strength of the Congress and sent a message to the other cantons. After Mathis died in 1221, the Congress convened to elect Elyot Duchemin, Grand Duke of Bostonia as his successor. Under Duchemin's rule, the size of Quebecshire's standing army was greatly increased, with most of the soldiers being raised from the cantons of Bostonia, Quebecshire Proper, Orléans, and Belvoire.

Expeditionary Period

Main article: Quebecshirite Empire

In 1328, Lancelinus Thévenet, Prince of Gaspésie was elected as Lord Protector in a controversial session of the Congress of the Cantons. Thévenet, who was educated in the fields of math, linguistics, and history at a young age, took a keeen interest in the mapping of Quebecshire's vast holdings. After he was gifted an ancient text telling of Reykani raids of early Quebecshirite civilization, Thévenet became interested in the exploration of the world as well. Under his rule, he paid for several expeditions that the Congress of the Cantons approved to improve Quebecshirite understanding of the world, update maps of foreign lands, and improve trade with Ecrosian neighbors. Captain Félix Vernier, a leading figure in the early Congressional Navy, organized many expeditions across the Caelean Sea and the ocean to the east and even directly led some of them. In 1334, Vernier led an expedition that produced accurate maps of the northern coasts of modern-day Pavulturilor, Sconia, and Tumland. According to legend, Vernier was even able to reach present-day Creeperopolis, but this isn't corroborated by any ship logs. Thévenet also successfully led initiatives to build schools and increase the quality of education in Quebecshire, though this education was usually restricted to the wealthy and canton nobility.

By 1550 CE, after successfully navigating through minor domestic crises (including the 1448-51 Gaspésie peasant revolts), Quebecshire was able to establish several trade posts and settlements across Ecros and on other continents. This included Port François, the most developed Quebecshirite settlement on Sur, as well as Nouveau Abraham and TBD3. These settlements were directly administered by the Congressional Navy, resulting in the navy quickly becoming the largest department of the Quebecshirite military. Trade with other continents eventually resulted in gunpowder weapons being introduced to Quebecshire, and led to an increased interest in the arts. Quebecshirite exploration and trade efforts played a key part in the development of an early form of global economy and facilitated creation of international trade routes that would continue to be used into the present. However, while the Congress of the Cantons aggressively pursued colonial and trade endeavors, dissatisfaction with their rule grew at home.

Congressional Decline

The Abraham Debates crippled the Congress of the Canton's ability to legislate.

In 1586, Lord Protector Damien Thayer, Grand Duke of Orléans fell ill from food poisoning shortly after a diplomatic visit from a delegation hailing from TBD. He passed away om 3 May 1586, sowing chaos within the convened session of the Congress of the Cantons in Quebecshire City. They promptly elected Adnet Gosse, Duke of Laurent, a renowned military leader and statesman, as his successor. Believing that the TBDian delegation was at fault for the death of Thayer, the Congress approved a declaration of war against TBD. The declaration was backed by fourteen of the seventeen cantons, notably not including Bostonia, Belvoire, and Sherbrooke, all of whom were financially depleted at the time from pursuing colonial endeavors. The war proved to be indecisive and left several of the cantons with large debts associated with mismanagement of resources in the war and the liberal use of mercenaries to bolster Quebecshirite forces.

In the 1590s, several sessions of the Congress of the Cantons, colloquially known as the Abraham Debates, were held to discuss responsibility for financial matters from the war. During this time, the Congress was unable to effectively manage trade and resource distribution between Cantons, which led to several Cantons openly ignoring Congressional regulations and budgeting when it was convenient. Sessions of the Congress during and after the Abraham Debates became less productive and devolved into open hostility and animosity between the Cantons, leading to a breakdown in trade and colonial cooperation between the Cantons. Lord Protector Adnet Gosse was impeached in 1601, marking the first time a Lord Protector was impeached.

Influential figures also began becoming extremely critical of the Congressional system in the years leading up to its decline, such as Gaston Delsarte, a wealthy statesman hailing from Quebecshire City, in his older age. This caused an erosion of public support for the Congress in numerous cities, which was referred to as nothing more than a "temporary tolerance for a failing system" by Delsarte. Anti-congressional criticism was especially prevalent in cities such as Quebecshire City and Franconia, where the lower classes felt abandoned by the wealthy and noblemen of the Congress who had decided to pursue colonialism instead of internal development. Delsarte passed away from natural causes in 1606, but his son, Yvon Delsarte, would continue to criticize the Congress and its policies. Despite Gaston Delsarte's death before these disagreements became more inflammatory, many critics, often with different ideas and solutions, continued coming forward.

The first decade of the 1600s saw a complete devolution of Congressional effectiveness and authority. The Congress had low attendance numbers as representatives from the cantons were either recalled to deal with matters at home or weren't interested in participating in the weakened institution. Enforcement of congressional decrees or documents completely fell apart, leading to the breakdown of standardized trade as the cantons began to implement their own trade regulations and taxes. Due to these failings, there was a lack of effectively transported agriculture and other resources, and disputes over debt continued to rage in the affected cantons. During this time, calls for a stronger government that could rebuild the fragmented Quebecshirite Empire grew, leading to the creation of the Monarchist Coalition for the Reunification of Quebecshire (CMRQ). The Congress of the Cantons was formally disbanded on 26 April 1607 when the CMRQ stormed the chambers and formally dissolved and dismissed the congress permanently, sparking the Quebecshirite Civil War.

Civil War

Outbreak of War

Main article: Quebecshirite Civil War

Storming of the Congress by Monarchist forces, 1607.

After the CMRQ disbanded the Congress of the Cantons, they swiftly gained control of the rest of Quebecshire City, where they were welcomed and cheered on by the city's people. The CMRQ declared the creation of the Imperial Reunification Council to govern the forces of the CMRQ based in Quebecshire City, and elected Lambert Lafayette, Prince of Sherbrooke as chairman of the Reunification Council. Yvon Delsarte was elected Marshal of the Army for Imperial Reunification and given control of the CMRQ's forces in Quebecshire City. The fall of the Congress of the Cantons sparked an immediate chaos as news of the CMRQ spread across Quebecshire, while Delsarte organized his forces in preparation for a march on Orléans and then Bostonia before a conflict could begin.

This failed, however, as several members of the Congress of the Cantons were able to successfully flee before the CMRQ could storm the Congress. Arsène Champlain, a delegate to the Congress from the canton of Bostonia, was one of those who were able to escape. He and several other delegates announced the creation of the Quebecshirite Republican Assembly (ARQ), an alliance of cantons opposed to the creation of the CMRQ, viewing them as radicals who were willing to destroy the nation in a bid for more power. At its creation, the ARQ was backed by Pons Duchemin, Grand Duke of Bostonia, who pledged his forces to the ARQ's cause. In the following months, several of the cantons would pick a side in the conflict as canton leaders felt obligated to help their political allies, noble friends, or otherwise to take initiative in reuniting the country and defeating the opposition. Numerous of the cantons, viewing a Monarchist victory as inevitable, backed the CMRQ in a bid to gain favor with Lambert Lafayette, who was likely to ascend to the title of Emperor of Quebecshire in the case of a CMRQ victory. Likewise, support for the ARQ was driven by leaders who sought to create a government that would be favorable to their policies and trade. However, not all of the cantons picked a side. The cantons of Sablé, Chatrois and Belvoire declared that they would not support either side, as did the Count of Lorette (a territory encompassing the southwest of the canton of Gaspésie).

The first major action of the war was the Siege of Orléans. Orléans fell under Republican rule soon after the creation of the ARQ, leading to the city being the primary target for the Monarchists. Lafayette believed that if the city could be seized, the ARQ would eventually be destroyed and the Monarchists would be able to take control of Quebecshire. However, when the CMRQ's forces led by Delsarte marched on Orléans and arrived at the city on 29 October 1609, they encountered a sizeable ARQ garrison led by Enzo Levasseur. The Monarchists finally gained full control of the city on 7 April 1610, but their forces were severely depleted. In 1616, the city of Orléans was retaken by the Republicans.

By 1620, as both sides slowly lost backing by cantons who were increasingly vocally against supporting the war effort and sympathetic towards the independent cantons, large-scale fighting decreased and the conflict was almost entirely reduced to border skirmishes. Eventually, the separate provisional governments began to struggle due to lack of resources for the Republicans and a lack of trade opportunities for the Monarchist groups, who were suffering under the effects of a Republican blockade. In 1623, a ceasefire (but not reunification) agreement was made by the Monarchist Coalition for the Reunification of Quebecshire (CMRQ) and the Quebecshirite Republican Assembly (ARQ) to begin negotiations in Orléans on 4 March 1623. The four independent cantons were also invited to take part in negotiations, and all of the cantons except Sablé sent delegates to Orléans. As the Monarchists were situated in Quebecshire City and Republicans in Bostonia, the two sides agreed to meet in Orléans.

Orléans Negotiations

Map of the Quebecshirite civil war in 1620. CMRQ are in blue and the ARQ is in red.

Main article: Orléans Negotiations

Delsarte and Champlain meet for negotiations, 1623.

The Orléans Negotiations took place from 4 March 1623 to 17 December 1623. The official Monarchist delegation consisted of Yvon Delsarte, Roland Rodier, and Campion Bonnet. The Republicans were officially represented by Arsène Champlain, Jacques Bourassa, and Jean Mossé. Additionally, each independent canton sent a representative, and advisors were present for both sides despite no official involvement or say in the official negotiations. The first major point in the negotiations was reported to have come to a consensus on 13 June 1623 when both sides determined any future unified Quebecshire should be devoid of autonomous subdivisions similar to internal states or provinces in nature. Any provinces that were to exist would solely be tasked with carrying out orders from a national government. This precedent set the stage for the remaining negotiations, which mainly focused on how the style of Quebecshirite leadership should be approached for the best merits of both popular will and national stability.

After 289 days of the ceasefire agreement between the two sides, Delsarte and Champlain signed the Declaration of the Establishment of a New Constitution for a Unified Quebecshirite State, which was to detail the future of Quebecshirite governance and how the new administration would be set up. Primarily, the declaration abolished the CMRQ and ARQ and created the Quebecshirite National Reorganization Council (CNRQ) to govern the transitional government. The declaration also called for a unique form of government consisting of a judicial and directive High Council, led by a Grandmaster who would assume the role of head of state, as well as a legislature (styled as the Parliament of Quebecshire) to be headed by a Speaker of the Parliament, who would assume the role of head of government. Additionally, the two sides agreed on the adoption of the title of “Serene State” for Quebecshire to decline any implications of political leanings. The agreement was supported by the independent cantons of Chatrois and Belvoire and was opposed by Lorette.

The Constitution of Quebecshire was signed and formally ratified by the National Reorganization Council on 16 September 1624. With its ratification, Yvon Delsarte was inaugurated as the first Grandmaster of Quebecshire, and Arsène Champlain was inaugurated as the first Speaker of the Parliament of Quebecshire. The National Reorganization Council was disbanded on 1 October 1624. The short-used yet unique flag of the National Reorganization Council represents the reunification of Quebecshire and is still used today as a patriotic symbol, Furthermore, the ideology of Revanchism was formed over time as a direct result of the actions and principles from the conclusion of and rebuilding following the Quebecshirite Civil War.

Aftermath and Revanchist Period

Sherbrooke was one of the most important Quebecshirite ports following the end of the Quebecshirite Civil War.

Following the establishment of the new government, Yvon Delsarte began using the High Council's influence to establish the new court systems of Quebecshire, as well as initiate the first versions of modern law enforcement to ensure domestic security. Arsène Champlain's Parliament passed laws regarding new trade, land, and agricultural policies, including standardizing the practice of enclosures to divide agriculture land, ending the Quebecshirite practice of the open-field system. Significant accomodations were made to local nobility and merchants to placate them after the immediate removal of the old canton system. However, both Delsarte and Champlain laid a framework that would see the Quebecshirite nobility be slowly stripped of their power in the following decades. In 1631, Delsarte launched an effort to standardize the Quebecshirite language (which had been fragmented into numerous dialects since the creation of the Quebecshirite state) that would continue for several decades.

However, one of the more pressing matters to Delsarte was the fact that the cantons of Sablé and Lorette continued to maintain their independence following the conclusion of the war. In 1625 and 1627, he sent forces to placate Sablé and Lorette, respectively. The Battle of Sablé on 13 July 1625 was the only battle of the annexations resulting in casualties, with 3 Quebecshirites and 19 Sablé peasant soldiers killed. Additionally, Delsarte was interested in reestablishing a global presence, as Quebecshirite colonial possessions had largely been neglected or given away since the outbreak of the civil war (as was the case for Port François, which was ceded to Creeperopolis in 1624). Champlain's Parliament fully embraced a mercantilist trade policy in a bid to bring more capital to Quebecshire, setting the nation on a path that would lead to the introduction of modern capitalism. Several companies, most notably the South Caelean Company, was chartered to handle the nation's trade empire and set up new trade outposts. The South Caelean Company, despite its name, established trade as far as in Ostlandet, using the old colony of New Abraham (in present-day Paleocacher) as a base of operations.

Delsarte passed away in 1639 and was succeeded by Grandmaster Léonard Fournier, who would continue to handle domestic and foreign policy in a very similar manner. Fournier continued expanding the Quebecshirite mercantilist empire by increasing the size of the Grand Navy of Quebecshire, approving the commissioning of numerous man-of-wars to protect Quebecshirite trade. More controversially, however, was Quebecshire's involvement in global slave markets beginning under Fournier's rule, partially driven by similar undertakings from colonial powers at the time. Slaves were imported from weaker nations across the world to primarily serve as agricultural servants in domestic Quebecshire. As slaves were imported into Quebecshire, Fournier and Parliament began cracking down on the nobility's harsh treatment of Quebecshirite peasants. By the onset of the 18th century, the remnants of the feudal system in Quebecshire had been all but eradicated. In 1694, Grandmaster Arsène Rodier commissioned the construction of the Palace of Élancourt outside of Quebecshire City, serving as an elegant residence for members of the High Council and a symbol of the Serene State's power and influence.

Industrial

Early Industrial Era

As the Industrial Revolution took hold, first in Quebecshire and then Eminople, before spreading to the whole of Terraconserva, the Quebecshirite government tried to take advantage of the situation and encourage new corporations to take on major projects in Quebecshire. The cities of Quebecshire City, Bostonia, Franconia became the leaders of industrial development and over time, in an effort to balance national power, the national government encouraged southward expansion of new industry as well, though some resistance from conservative politicians limited industry in Quebecshire early on in the south.

Despite this, the Quebecshirite economy grew rapidly, both through major corporations and regional industrialization through the building of factories, quarries, and other new factors in economy development. The Franconian Mining Company, Lecerf Rail, and LaRue Energy became symbols of a growing corporate power within Quebecshire as they expanded their projects with little government intervention in the new economic circumstances of industrialization.

Quebecshire started to become more connected with the invention of new technology and the expansions of railways by Lecerf rail, however, criticism against this system began to emerge as a result of concerns regarding wages, working conditions, and a growing wealth divide in the nation. However, as the concerns were just emerging, the government of Quebecshire became preoccupied with handling the growing tensions, leaving the corporate powers of Quebecshire to continue their growth relatively unmitigated for the coming decades.

Later Industrial Era

Quebecshire experienced a vast economic growth in the latter half of the nineteenth century. As a result of this influx, many resorted to taking low paying jobs for major corporations in Quebecshire due to the shortage of work for the men returning home.

A train operated by Lecerf Rail travelling near Yamachiche, 1889.

Many of these corporations took a heavy influence in national politics, making deals with members of the Parliament, as well allegations of corporations coercing their employees during elections began surfacing publicly as journalists began criticizing the major corporations in Quebecshire. Despite this, the corporations maintained extreme influence due to the amount of Quebecshirites they employed, their control of major resources and transportation, as well as the declining health of Grandmaster Dimitri Féret and the inability of the Speaker of the Parliament, Alain Courbis to challenge corporations. This caused unrest and tension to cause problems in some cities, initially Franconia and Bostonia. Most demonstrations were initially peaceful and property damage was scarce, but the corporations were able to influence local governments to arrest organizers, furthering the tensions leading up to the Quebecshirite Election Series.

The election resulted in an upset, and Alain Courbis was defeated by a coalition of minor parties attempting to pursue corporate reform. Abraham Thibodeaux was elected as Speaker of the Parliament under the first iteration of the Revanchist Party as a political alliance, though his balance of power was very delicate due to entrenched corporate influence in other political groupings, and the fact that his coalition was not fully immune either. However, Grandmaster Féret passed away on September 30, 1899, just mere weeks after the elections. Yves-François Bourassa was selected to take his place shortly thereafter, giving both branches of government fresh leadership in the face of the tensions.

Modern

Red April and Socialist Reforms

Main article: Red April

Bourassa speaking during Red April, 1902.

At the turn of the twentieth century there were severe tensions in the political landscape of Quebecshire. Corporations retained a strong influence over the political systems of Quebecshire, but the election of Abraham Thibodeaux as Speaker of the Parliament reintroduced some balance. Thibodeaux's coalition had campaigned for reforms, but opposition and even some members of Parliament from their own grouping were influenced by the corporate hegemones of Quebecshire, essentially causing a political stalemate. Yves-François Bourassa was still adjusting to his role as Grandmaster of Quebecshire and had yet intervened in any significant political disputes as of 1901. Any proposed reforms were either stalled or forced out of Parliament, and the conclusion of Quebecshire's colonial endeavors gave the private sector near total influence over the male workers of the generation.

In April 1902, the landscape began to change for Quebecshire. An accident on a railway near Sanborn-Gaza caused more than forty deaths and a major delay in shipments through the central regional of Quebecshire on 3 April 1902. On 11 April 1902, a mining accident caused one-hundred three miners to be killed or missing in a mine on the outskirts of Franconia. The companies involved attempted to quash reports of the incidents from reaching the press, but they were discovered and the incidents were widely reported across Quebecshire. Protests and riots against the corporate powers in Quebecshire began, and on 20 April 1902, one escalated when a pipe-bomb was thrown from a crown, injuring several civilians. Quebecshire reached a period of instability that hadn't been experienced since the Civil War, and local authorities struggled to maintain order as violence between corporations, their security, and the public grew.

On 6 May 1902, Grandmaster Bourassa wrote a letter to Speaker of the Parliament Thibodeaux. The letter was never publicly disclosed, but sources close to Thibodeaux claimed that Bourassa had threatened to dissolve the Parliament, for new elections or indefinitely, if the inaction did not cease. These specific claims were not fully authenticated, but most historians agree that Bourassa's letter involved the Grandmaster taking a strong and aggressive stance towards the Parliament's action at the time. Bourassa forced the hand of the Parliament and soon after presented the Bourassa Proclamation. It took several months for it to make it through the Parliament, but eventually was able to do so due to the pressure from the High Council and the public unrest. While the Bourassa Proclamation was being deliberated, an attempted assassination was performed against Grandmaster Bourassa, and as a result he was shot once, but survived.

The proclamation had given the government and state near-complete authority over the corporations in Quebecshire and led to the breaking up of several monopolies and near-monopolies, the passage of new wage laws, working conditions standards, and workers' rights regulations, the prohibition of most political influences by corporations, and the nationalization of the Franconian Mining Company, Lecerf Rail, LaRue Energy and several other corporations. The Quebecshirite Electric Services were eventually merged into Hydro-Quebecshire, the premier energy provider in the nation.

The assets taken from these corporations, in addition to surplus government revenune in the post-colonial era allowed the government to expand these projects and maintain work. Bourassa and Thibodeaux also created the Administration of the National Parks and Reserves of Quebecshire and expanded the newly nationalized projects to create more oppurtunities for skilled and unskilled labor, leading to the end of the Red April period, which is generally considered to have concluded when Thibodeaux left office in 1909.

Following Abraham Thibodeaux's exit from office and the eventual slowing of the government's work to resolve the conflicts that arose from Red April, Quebecshire enjoyed a time of relative peace and calmness of affairs. With the government spearheading economic innovations and the recent invention of the airplane, Quebecshire began to enjoy the benefits of new technological innovations. The Age of Good Feelings is largely defined by progressivism and economic development. The Seventh Amendment to the Constitution of Quebecshire expanded voting rights to all Quebecshirites over the age of eighteen in 1911, expanding suffrage to women and convicted felons. The government also began introducing Quebecshire's national identification system and began rolling out the first series of national identificiation cards to all citizens and legal residents.

The government expanded social projects and the railway nationalization during Red April allowed public transportation to connect all of Quebecshire, making it easier for people to relocate for work or other endeavors. Airline travel was also innovated during this period and aircraft began being incorporated into national defense, trade, and transportation. Quebecshirite agriculture also had a comeback in economic influence due to the national connectivity and the ease of transport for agricultural goods both domestically and internationally. The Age of Good feelings saw the poverty rates as well as wealthy inequality decrease as a result of the Red April reforms. The economy and particularly the job market stabilized during this time and Quebecshire was able to expand its trade with its nearby partners and globally due to the new streams of revenue that the government was able to fully enjoy due to the stability of the time.

The time period for the Age of Good feelings is more commonly defined as the time between Speaker of the Parliament Thibodeaux's exit from office and the death of Grandmaster Bourassa.

Rise as a Superpower

When the Creeperian Civil War erupted in 1933, Grandmaster Bourassa and Speaker of the Parliament Mathias Pascal did not make an effort to involve Quebecshire, as it was generally seen as a regional conflict that was unimportant to the affairs of Quebecshire. When Pascal was narrowly re-elected in 1934, there remained a lack of incentive to risk controversy by getting involved in the Creeperian Civil War. However, global trade near the southern landmass was slowed due to the war, which caused the prices of sugar, coffee, and textiles to rise in Quebecshire. Pascal's viewpoint shifted and he wanted the government to intervene in the Creeperian Civil War, either by providing escorts for cargo ships, but according to accounts by Bourassa and Pascal, Bourassa advised against taking a side in the war or being involved in a way which could risk the possibility of being pulled into the conflict. Not wanting to risk a political confrontation with Bourassa due to his popularity over the last three decades, Pascal followed his advice for the time being.

Bourassa died in office in 1936, being replaced by Henri Arceneaux as Grandmaster of Quebecshire. Arceneaux and Bourassa were similar in their leadership styles, but after an extended meeting with Pascal, Arceneaux decided to allow him to involve Quebecshire in Creeperian affairs to lower the prices of goods in Quebecshire. They eventually agreed that despite their ideological differences with Quebecshire, the Romerists were more likely to eventually win the war. The Pascal government began trading with the Romerist side and ensuring the security of their shipments. Quebecshire did not get involved past this, though some Quebecshirite volunteers fought for either side in the war.

The decision to trade with the Romerists helped bring prices down in Quebecshire again for the Creeperian exports and the Romerists eventually won the war in 1949, leading to a continuation of the trading and diplomatic relationship between Quebecshire and Creeperopolis. Many academics consider Quebecshire's involvement in the Creeperian Civil War and the subsequent relationship between the nations to be an anomaly of international policy by Quebecshire.

Grandmaster Arceneaux and Speaker of the Parliament Pierre Larousse exit the TCN General Assembly in Bostonia, 1968.

Following the Creeperian Civil War, due to its status as the deadliest conflict in human history and the economic problems it caused for the surrounding regions, several members of the international community founded the Terraconserva Council of Nations, an international body to mediate global disputes and pass resolutions regarding international policy. The organization was headquarted in Bostonia, adding to its influence both in Quebecshire and now as a major global diplomatic centre. Of the founding members of the organization Quebecshire, Paleocacher, and Salisford became permanent members, more informally referred to as the "Big Three," earning them permanent placement in both principle institutions and the ability to veto proposed new member states and resolutions at vote in the Security Council.

Quebecshire helped grow the organization in its early decades, contribuing to its disussions and mediation efforts, as the organization was largely centered around international dialouge at the time. Quebecshire voted in favour of the admission of every new applying member in the twentieth century which greatly expanded the scope of the organization.

Contemporary

Grandmaster Arceneaux died in 1991 after more than fifty four years in office and was replaced by High Council member André Bellerose shortly after in February, 1991. The earlier years of Bellerose's reign saw Quebecshire's growing global economic and diplomatic influence as the twentieth century came to a close. Despite this early success, Grandmaster Bellerose and Speaker of the Parliament Nicolas Duplessis had to lead the nation through the increase in prices and decrease in availibility of coffee, sugar, and other material exports from Creeperopolis during the Alfonsisto. The prices of the aforementioned goods once again decreased to the previous levels following the 2003 Creeperian coup d'état, after which Creeperopolis-Quebecshire relations reverted to their pre-Alfonsisto status.

Quebecshire has enjoyed a period of relative stability since the events of the Franciscan Summer. The current Grandmaster is André Bellerose and the current Speaker of the Parliament is Lucien LaRochelle, who has been in office since 2014, and was preceded by Florence Ponce, the first female Speaker of the Parliament, who now sits on the High Council. Quebecshire has been extremely involved in international affairs, moreso than typical in recent years, shown by its frequent sponsorship of resolutions in the Terraconserva Council of Nations and its recent joining of the Terraconserva Economic Union. Quebecshire was struck by a terrorist attack in early 2020 which caused significant damages to the Bostonia International Airport, but was recovered in the following months.

Government and politics

The state and government of Quebecshire is supremely controlled by the Constitution of Quebecshire, which mandates the three primary institutions of governance, the High Council, the Parliament, and the municipal bodies.

Constitution of Quebecshire

Main article: Constitution of Quebecshire

The Constitution of Quebecshire is the supreme governing document of the Serene State of Quebecshire. It mandates the primary governing bodies of the nation as well as delegates their authorities, and it outlines the foundation of citizenship as well as the rights, liberties, and responsibilities of the citizens of Quebecshire. The Constitution furthermore defines the identity of Quebecshire and its population.

Seal of Quebecshire.

The Constitution of Quebecshire authorizes two primary governing bodies:

• The High Council of Quebecshire, which is endowed with the authority to oversee the Parliament, interpret the Constitution, create inferior courts and institutions that serve the High Council's constitutional purpose, debate and publish High Council Mandates, and consider Proclamations. The High Council is headed by the Grandmaster of Quebecshire, who is defined as the Head of State.

• The Parliament of Quebecshire, which is endowed with the authority to debate and publish laws, manage the domestic and foreign affairs of Quebecshire, levy taxes, create inferior institutions for their constitutional purpose, and consider Proclamations. The Parliament is headed by the Speaker of the Parliament of Quebecshire, who is defined as the Head of Government.

The Constitution of Quebecshire authorizes and defines three types of superior legal documents:

• A Proclamation, a document proposed either by the Grandmaster or Speaker of the Parliament of Quebecshire and must be approved by both a majority of the High Council and Parliament of Quebecshire. Proclamations typically dictate national policy in a time of crisis and are only inferior to the Constitution of Quebecshire.

• A High Council Mandate, a document published by the Grandmaster with authorization by a majority of the High Council of Quebecshire that either formalizes an interpretation of the Constitution or authorizes a particular action or policy to enforce the Constitution or other constitutionally protected statutes.

• A Parliamentary Law, a document passed by the Parliament of Quebecshire that functions are as a standard law, dictating a domestic or foreign policy.

Domestic Government and Politics

High Council of Quebecshire

Main article: High Council of Quebecshire

The High Council of Quebecshire is the highest judicial and oversight institution in Quebecshire. It’s relevance in Quebecshire’s leadership dates back to the conclusion of the Quebecshirite Civil War and the subsequent Orléans Negotiations.

The High Council is purposed to be a unifying institution, more consistent than the general political sphere of Parliament. It is mostly made up of scholars or those with former careers in national defence or the arts. The High Council is chaired by the Grandmaster of Quebecshire, who is the Head of State. The High Council reviews legislation to ensure it does not conflict with the Constitution of Quebecshire or its national values and may hear cases on disputes regarding the Constitution if those disputes were not adequately settled in lower courts, all of which are considered inferior to the High Council. At times, the Grandmaster will also travel abroad for state visits, possibly with other members.

The members of the High Council make fairly frequent public appearances and often meet with the Speaker of the Parliament or other Administrators. There are currently 17 members of the High Council, as directed by the Constitution of Quebecshire. The High Council may deliberate upon and public High Council Mandates and consider Proclamations. Any Constitutional amendments must pass be passed by the Parliament and the citizenry of Quebecshire by a simple majority, and then approved by at least two-thirds of the High Council.

Parliament of Quebecshire

Main article: Parliament of Quebecshire

The Parliament of Quebecshire is the main governing body of Quebecshire and functions are the country’s legislature, in addition to mandating various executive roles in the form of Administrators, which oversee departments of government and report to the Speaker of the Parliament of Quebecshire, who is the Head of Government. The Parliament of Quebecshire dates back to the conclusion of the Quebecshirite Civil War and the subsequent Orléans Negotiations.

The Parliament of Quebecshire is elected at least every five standard years with exceptions under certain circumstances, with the last election being the 2019 Quebecshirite Election Series. Following the election of the Parliament overall, the Speaker of the Parliament is elected and following his inauguration, selects his Administrators. Following the creation of a new Administration, the Speaker of the Parliament presides over the Parliament and begins their agenda. There is one Member of Parliament for every 500,000 citizens of Quebecshire, and the number is updated with each relevant census. Currently, there are 468 sitting Members of Parliament.

Sub-national government and politics

Quebecshire does not have subdivisions between the municipal and nation level. One historical exception to this is the Third Amendment to the Constitution of Quebecshire. This amendment was reversed in 1822 by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution of Quebecshire, eliminating the constitutional exception.

The Constitution of Quebecshire does not allow authorities between the municipal and national level. As a result of this, any sub-national politics is typically very local. Municipalities are constitutionally mandated to exist, but Parliament can set most of their limitations in regards to authority. Municipalities typically handle the lower level functions of institutions and programs mandated at the national level. Presently, municipalities are allowed to levy taxes within a range set by the Parliament and are authorized to regulate other locally applicable issues within the perameters of Parliamentary Law, which is superior.

International politics and agreements

Quebecshire is a member of the following international organizations.

• Terraconserva Council of Nations via the Permanent Mission of Quebecshire to the Terraconserva Council of Nations
  • General Assembly
  • Security Council
  • Terraconserva International Court
  • Terraconserva International Police Cooperative
• Quebecosphere International Organization

Geography

Northern Quebecshire

Photograph from Delsarte National Park, west of Franconia.

Quebecshire's northernmost regions have some unique features noticeable to the world. In the northwest, Franconia and its surrounding regions and settlements are known for their mountains, ranging from moderate sized to large and snow capped, many of which contain or sit atop VieRoche Crystals famous to the area. Additionally, the north is known for vast forests and lakes scattered across the region. Several of these forests are managed by the Administration of the Interior of Quebecshire's parks and natural reserves departments..

The northeast is similar with forests, but has a more common abundance of rivers and has many coastline areas with the ocean that are used as settlements and cities for fishing and trade. The north has a very cold winter, with rather cooler falls and springs and a moderate summer. As expected, it is common for lakes and rivers to both freeze over during the colder times of the year, ranging from the typical earlier times being in October, to as late as April. The north is known for the harvesting of maple syrup, as most conventional farming is done in the central and southern regions, however this practice is not exclusive to the north.

Significant settlements in northern Quebecshire include but are not limited to Portsmouth and Franconia.

Central and Southern Quebecshire

Photograph of a forest and stream in central Quebecshire.

The southern and more central areas of Quebecshire are naturally those of forests and hills, but few structures as large as mountains. Some mountains do occur, but usually those in smaller to moderate size. It is relatively similar to the north, however it is more temperate, making farming common in the more inland areas when possible. The areas which are not urban or otherwise extensively developed are typically used for farmland or are forests.

Like the north, lakes and similar water bodies are fairly common. These water bodies freeze over, however this is more contained to contemporary winter compared to the north. On the coastline, settlements are fairly similar across the nation, but the south has significantly more bays than the north. The winter is cold, with more moderate temperatures during the fall and spring, and the summers are generally warm. The central and southern regions of Quebecshire do not commonly host VieRoche crystals, which is their main and most blatant contrast from the north.

Significant Settlements in central Quebecshire include but are not limited to Quebecshire City, Bostonia, Orléans, Abraham, and Sanborn-Gaza.

Significant Settlements in southern Quebecshire include but are not limited to Yamachiche, Gaspésie, Laurent, Anticosti, and Sherbrooke.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Quebecshire

Quebecshire has the largest economy in the world and the second highest GDP per capita in the world. Quebecshire is both a large importer of goods and a large exporter, often importing goods such as raw materials from Creeperopolis and other Terraconserva Economic Union member states. Quebecshire exports good and services relating to agriculture and the information and technology sectors. The Quebec Megalopolis is the location of many global financial markets and hubs. Northern Quebecshire has a strong maritime sector on the eastern coast and further inland there is a strong energy sector and sustainable logging industry. Central and southern Quebecshire inland is known for its agricultural output and the southern coasts have integral maritime, fishing, and trade related economies. There is a small manufacturing sector still present in the nation.

By most evaluations, Quebecshire is considered a postindustrial economy. Quebecshire has the highest human development index in the world and the Administration of Labour works to maintain regulations that provide wage and working conditions regulations, as well as other policies such as paid sick leave, paid family leave, and anti-discrimination regulations.

Quebecshire has many globally relevant corporations, such as media-conglomerate Quebecor, aircraft manufacturer Beaulieu, and food and beverage group Pepsi.