Difference between revisions of "People's Party of Bretonia"

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{{NPC Faction | Volksfront|auto}}
 
 
{{Faction Infobox
 
{{Faction Infobox
 
| name = People's Party of Bretonia (PPB)
 
| name = People's Party of Bretonia (PPB)
−
| image = BundschuhLogo.png
+
| image = PPB.jpg
 
| origin = {{House Link | Bretonia}}
 
| origin = {{House Link | Bretonia}}
 
| alignment = UNLAWFUL
 
| alignment = UNLAWFUL
 
| founding_date = June 9th 752
 
| founding_date = June 9th 752
 
| dissolution_date =  
 
| dissolution_date =  
−
| leader = Allan Glamis
+
| leader = Sean Glamis
 
| founder =  
 
| founder =  
 
| primary_role = Overthrowing the monarchist government
 
| primary_role = Overthrowing the monarchist government
Line 13: Line 12:
 
| base =
 
| base =
 
}}
 
}}
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Over the centuries, many left-wing parties emerged in Bretonia. Social Democrats, Socialists or even Communists. They were founded and faded away. They won and lost elections. But eventually, they all failed. One of these parties however, was meant to stay because of the most tragic of all circumstances: War.
+
Over the centuries, many left-wing parties have existed in Bretonia. Social Democrats, Socialists - even Communists. Their date of founding has never lain far from their end. They have won and lost elections; but eventually, they all failed. One of these parties however, was thrust into a fight for its survival by the most tragic of all circumstances: War.
 
This is the history of the People's Party of Bretonia.
 
This is the history of the People's Party of Bretonia.
 +
 +
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 +
 +
  
 
===The United Unions===
 
===The United Unions===
−
The situation on Planet Leeds has always been dire for the working population. Constant, health-crushing pollution, working conditions that could only be described as hostile and the lowest wages of the entire Bretonian Sector earned the Planet a tragic reputation.
+
The situation on Planet Leeds has always been dire for the working population. Constant, health-crushing pollution, working conditions that could only be described as hostile and the lowest wages of the entire Bretonian Quadrant earned the Planet a well-deserved tragic reputation.<br>
−
Yet, it was the backbone of the King's Empire. The Majority of all of Bretonias Goods, Machines and Weapons were produced here. It was obvious to anyone - even an outsider - that a coordinated Strike of the working population would shake at the very basis of the Empire.
+
Yet, it was the backbone of the King's Empire. The Majority of all Bretonian Goods, Machines and Weapons were produced there. It was obvious to anyone - even an outsider - that a general strike by the working population would shake the Kingdom to its very core.
−
Worker Unions were thus under constant observation, tight control and had to suffer stern punishments and even fear forced disburdenment, would they violate the Crown's Laws.
+
Workers' Unions were thus under constant observation, tight control and the threat of severe punishment - even disbandment, were they to violate the Crown's Laws.<br>
−
In 723, after the export boom to the recovering Reich of Rheinland had ended, after wages were lowered and workers let go, many of the Planet's Unions sought to become part of a common organization that would help them to better manage their recourses. Be it to coordinate strikes or to employ a common, professional legal department to protect them from the Crown's harassment.
+
In 723, after the export boom to the recovering Reich of Rheinland had ended, after wages were lowered and workers let go, many of the Planet's Unions sought to become part of a common organization could help them to better manage their representation. Be it to coordinate strikes or employ a common professional legal department to protect them, the workers recognized the safety of numbers.<br>
−
It was this years 3rd of September, that the United Worker's Unions of Leeds (UWUL) was founded. The organisation seemed to be a success at first. Striking workers could be legally protected and the increased protests put a crushing pressure on the Planet's authorities, to improve the conditions for the working population.  
+
It was in this year's 3rd of September, that the United Worker's Unions of Leeds (UWUL) was founded. At first, the organization claimed success. Striking workers could be legally protected and the increase of protests put a crushing pressure on the Planet's authorities to improve the conditions for the working population. <br>
−
However, instead of answering the justified demands of the UWUL, the government established a new law that specifically prohibited the interconnection of unrelated worker unions and thus banned the UWUL only three years after it was founded.
+
In time however, instead of answering the justified demands of the UWUL, the government established a new law that specifically prohibited the interconnection of unrelated workers' unions thus banning the UWUL only three years after it was founded.<br>
−
It was then that the not only the UWUL's administration but even the common worker had to acknowledge, that true change could only be achieved on a political level.
+
It was then that the UWUL's administration and the workers they represented acknowledged that true change could only be achieved on a political level.<br><br>
  
  
  
 
===The People's Party of Leeds===
 
===The People's Party of Leeds===
−
With the vital momentum of the enraged population in their backs, the former administration of the UWUL quickly decided the foundation of a new Party. A party that wouldn't be dedicated to a realm, to finance or to a single man - like all the others were - but to the people. The People of Leeds and eventually, the People of Bretonia.
+
With the passion of an enraged population at their backs, the former administration of the UWUL quickly formed the foundation of a new party. A party that wouldn't be dedicated to a realm, to finance or to a single man - like all the others were - but to the people. The People of Leeds and eventually, the People of Bretonia.<br>
−
In 728, the People's Party of Leeds (PPL) was officially founded and up for the following planetary election in 730. Even though it just had been founded, it became the second strongest power in planetary parliament with an impressive 28.3 % of the votes. It stayed in opposition, however, as the established parties planned to boycott and not going into a political coalition with in order to rule the planet. Especially the established Labour Party feared that it would loose all its followers to the PPL and lose their basis for existence entirely, if the voters would feel that the PPL would be more progressive and efficient than they were.  
+
In 728, the People's Party of Leeds (PPL) was officially founded and ready to contest the planetary election of 730. Even though it just had been founded, it surged to become the second strongest power in planetary parliament with an impressive 28.3 % of the vote. It was kept in opposition however, by a concerted effort of the established parties. Unable to find coalition partners, the PPL entered the opposition. In particular, the Federalist Party feared that it would loose much of its powerbase to the PPL if the voters would feel that the PPL would be more progressive and efficient than they were. <br>
−
However, this plan failed. In opposition, the PPL had it easy to keep complaining about failings of the current government while in the spotlight of medial attention. Two terms later, In 738 the PPL became the strongest party with 36% of the voters, feeding almost completely off the Labour Parties followers. Out of all established parties, only the opportunist liberal party dared a political alliance to be included in this term's government.  
+
Despite these initial difficulties, the PPL was still able to continue gaining popular support. In opposition, the PPL continued to poll well by complaining about the failings of the current government while in the spotlight of media attention as an opposition party. Two terms later, in 738, the PPL became the strongest party with 36% of the vot, growing largely to the detriment of the Federalist party. Out of all established parties, only the opportunists of the Democratic party dared to form a coaltion, joining the new government. <br>
−
What many of the PPL thought to be the greatest day in the existence of their Party should later turn out to become the first day in its inevitable stagnation. The new government under the control of the PPL enacted several laws to take the pressure off the unions, enforced a minimum wager and a mandatory public health insurances for every citizen of Leeds.  
+
What many of the PPL thought to be the greatest day in the existence of their party, would later be recognized as the first day of its inevitable stagnation. While the new government under the control of the PPL enacted several laws to take the pressure off of the unions, enforce a minimum wage and a introduce mandatory public health insurance for every citizen of Leeds, these programs came at a cost. <br>
−
While these changes were favourably perceived by the brought population in the beginning. It soon became clear that the Party didn't have any real means to finance these social benefits and thus piled up huge amounts of planetary debt.  
+
These changes were favourably perceived by the brought population in the beginning, but it soon became clear that the Party had no real means to finance these social benefits and thus were piling up huge amounts of planetary debt. <br>
−
This development attracted more than just negative attention from New London. Planet Cambridge already was in debt, New London not even barely profitable, and now even Leeds' books were written in red ink.  
+
This development attracted negative attention from across the empire. With Planet Cambridge already in debt, New London barely profitable, and now even Leeds' books written in red ink, the ruling echelon of the empire grew increasingly concerned about Leeds' upstarts. <br>
−
Crown and imperial parties threatened the PPL several times to let go of their social agenda and to make sure that the planet would be profitable again and did everything they could to sabotage the PPL's image as anti patriotic and dangerous to the realm.
+
Crown and imperial parties threatened the PPL several times to abandon their social agenda, ensuring Leeds' continued profitability, but the PPL refused to budge. Determined to set things right, these groups began to publicly decry the anti-patriotism and foolishness of the party.  
−
Surveys indicated that both governing parties of Leeds had lost more than 50% of its voters as a consequence. After three years of the term had passed, the liberal party that just had rubber-stamped every of the PPL's laws, made its final move to somehow get out of this coalition without losing half its voters, left the coalition and did everything they could to sabotage any attempts of the PPL to get any further laws passed through parliament.
+
Eventually, polls indicated that both of the governing coalition parties had lost more than 50% of their support as a consequence of this path. After three years of the term had passed, the Democratic party that just had rubber-stamped every of the PPL's laws, left the coalition and did everything they could to sabotage the PPL's ability to pass further legislation.<br>
−
After a final smear campaign was staged against the governor that showed him in luxury hotel with a prostitute only months before the election and with the King constantly supporting their opponents the PPL suffered a crushing defeat, only gaining 12.4% of the vote.
+
After a final smear campaign was staged against the premier of Leeds, showing him in a luxury hotel with a prostitute only months before the election, and with the King constantly supporting their opponents, the PPL suffered a crushing defeat, dropping to a mere 12.4% of the vote.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
 
  
 
===The People's Party of Bretonia===
 
===The People's Party of Bretonia===
−
The PPL never recovered. In the aftermath of their defeat, one third of their members left in order to join the Labour Party. A long period of internal turmoil broke out. Party chairmen changed on an almost yearly basis. Never again should the PPL receive a result of over 10% of the vote.
+
The PPL never recovered. In the aftermath of their defeat, one third of their members left in order to join the Federalist Party. A long period of internal turmoil broke out. Party chairmen changed on an almost yearly basis. Never again would the PPL receive more than 10% of the vote.<br>
−
However, ten years later, in 752, the party had finally finished to fight over the causes of their political decline and settled on a road map to get into power again.  
+
However, ten years later, in 752, the party had finally stopped infighting for a long enough period to establish a road map to get into power again. <br>
−
They found that not their own social policies were to blame for their failure, but established parties, the higher classes and the crown its self. Never in history passed a year where Planet New London didn't create debt and others had to pay it. While it lay in the nature of Planet of Cambridge as a research and agricultural centre to be in the need of support, the rich and under-taxed population of New London, embodied by the King him self, were the ones who lived on the backs of Leeds' simple citizens.
+
They believed that it was not their social policies were to blame for their failure, but established parties, the higher classes and the crown itself. Every year, New London created debt - forcing the weaker systems to pay it. While it lay in the nature of Planet of Cambridge as a research and agricultural centre to be relatively revenue neutral, the rich and under-taxed population of New London, embodied by the King himself, lived on the backs of Leeds' simple citizens.<br>
−
The consensus within the PPL was, that in an effort to avoid being backstabbed by the empire on a planet, one would have to have an influence on the empire its self.
+
Once again, the PPL acknowledged the need to reach into higher places to effect changes, this time they sought to have an influence on the empire itself.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
On June 9th 752, the People's Party of Bretonia was founded.<br><br> 
 +
 
 +
The PPB never achieved true popularity. Its image was still damaged. It was perceived as anti-patriotic, hostile towards the crown and simply too incompetent and dangerous for the Bretonian economy. Since the party's supporters weren't Lords of New London, Industrial representatives of Leeds or successful Professors of Cambridge - only the poor Unions, they never managed to launch an efficient campaign, never getting more than 5% of the vote at any Imperial election. All that changed, when an event, unforeseen by any in the empire, served to unite the PPB in a way they'd never imagined.<br><br>
  
−
In June 9th 752, the People's Party of Bretonia was founded. 
 
  
−
The PPB never achieved true popularity. Its image was still damaged. It was perceived as anti patriotic, hostile towards the crown and simply too incompetent and dangerous for the Bretonian economy. Since the party's supporters weren't the Lords of New London, Industrial representatives of Leeds or successful Professors but only the poor Unions, it never managed to launch an efficient campaign and thus never managed to get more than 5% at any Imperial election.
 
  
 
===Ban, Escape & Refuge===
 
===Ban, Escape & Refuge===
−
Only one year after the war started, surveys showed that the PPB climbed up to 7% as the situation of the working class in the ongoing war became worse with every month that passed. Many were forced to work in the armament industry, first overtime wasn't paged, then only a small percentage of the entire wage would be paid if at all. At the elections in 817, the PPB reached an earthshaking increase of 8% to 15% of the vote.
+
Only one year after the war started, polls showed the PPB climbing up to 7% support as the situation of the working class in the ongoing war worsened with every month. Many were forced to work in the armament industry, often without overtime; Eventually, only a small portion of the wages would be paid - if at all. At the elections in 817, the PPB achieved an earthshaking doubling of their support to 15% of the vote.<br>
−
The Crown and its ruling Royalist Party saw this with great concern. If the PPB would continue to encourage strikes and riots across the planets of the empire, The war effort would be in danger and the House of Bretonia could face imminent defeat.
+
The Crown and its ruling Royalist Party witnessed this revival with great concern. If the PPB could continue to encourage strikes and riots across the planets of the empire, The war effort would be in danger and the House of Bretonia could face imminent defeat.<br>
−
Shortly after the election, a massive general strike on Planet Leeds escalated into a violent riot when the BPA attempted to dissolve the protests. Many protesters were killed in the ensuing street riot and sought refuge in the several party headquarters of the PPB on Leeds as the BPA wasn't allowed to enter any political installation without a proper court order - not even under probable cause.
+
Shortly after the election, a massive general strike on Planet Leeds escalated into a violent riot when the BPA attempted to dissolve the protests. Many protesters were killed in the ensuing street riot and some sought refuge in the party offices of the PPB on Leeds; The BPA barred from entering any political installation without a proper court order - not even under probable cause.<br>
−
The Royalist government saw a chance to use this incident to ban the PPB and thus deal a huge blow to the worker movements and further ensure the smooth function of the running armament industry on Leeds.  
+
The Royalist government saw a chance to use this incident to ban the PPB and thus deal a huge blow to the workers' movements - further ensuring the smooth function of the Leeds' wartime industry. <br><br>
 +
 
 +
On April 21st 817, the PPB was banned for harbouring enemies of the Empire, Obstruction of Justice and conspiring against the Crown of Bretonia.<br><br>
 +
 
  
−
In April 21st 817, the PPB was banned for harbouring enemies of the Empire, Obstruction of Justice and conspiring against the Crown of Bretonia.
 
  
 
===The Volksfront Protects===
 
===The Volksfront Protects===
−
The BPA didn't waste any time. Only hours after the law was ratified, police raids were launched against all Party Headquarters and Facilities across the Empire and all Party Members caught were imprisoned and charged with treason.
+
The BPA didn't waste any time. Only hours after the law was ratified, police raids were launched against all party offices across the Empire and all Party Members detained were imprisoned and charged with treason.<br>
−
Shortly before the raids, the PPB members and privileged supporters made an organized attempt to flee from their respective planets into open space, seeking refuge on stations that weren't under direct Bretonian Influence: Freeport 1, Cardiff, Trafalgar & the Hood. Every IMG base, however, was raided.
+
Shortly before the raids, certain PPB members and privileged supporters saw enough of the writing on the wall to make an organized attempt to flee from their respective planets into open space, seeking refuge on stations that weren't under direct Bretonian Influence: Freeport 1, Cardiff, Trafalgar & the Hood. Every IMG base, however, was raided.<br><br>
  
−
Out of over 40.000 party members, only 5000 managed to escape.
+
Out of over 150.000 party members, only 4000 managed to escape.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
The refugees tried their best to organize themselves on Trafalgar and the Freeport 1. But seeing as they had neither financial resources nor any remaining political connections, their situation seemed utterly hopeless.<br>
 +
The acting party leader, Sean Glamis, formally head of the legal department of the PPB, tried his best to keep the refugees organized and to establish connections with any spaceborne supporters.<br>
 +
While the Junkers seemed rather supportive, agreeing to supply the refugees with food in what they must have seen as an investment, the IMG and Zoners harboring the remnants of the Party grew impatient after a few days and demanded that a rent be paid if the refugees were to extend their stay. However, the main issue for Glamis wasn't overstaying his welcome at the Mining Stations and Freeports but simply the fact that his followers were far too exposed on them. <br>
 +
He grew desperate and didn't really know what to do. It seemed that the PPB would have to be disbanded in order for the refugees to be able to survive as Miners, Zoners, Junkers or even Bounty Hunters.<br>
 +
In a last desperate gasp, Glamis, who never had to bear such a heavy responsibility, reached out to in an attempt to hide the remaining party members. He managed to contact the head of the Mollys and to convince him that the party would support all and any efforts of the Mollys in the future, should they grant them refuge. The separatists accepted.<br>
 +
It was clear to Glamis, however, that he couldn't ask for anything more from the Mollys, at least not for now.<br>
 +
As part of his long term strategy of the survival of the political entity that the PPB was, he reached out to the only other organization in the entire Sirius sector that had suffered through an equally dire situation: the Bundschuh.<br>
 +
The Bundschuh wasn't nearly as strong in numbers as the PPB was right now, but they had an excellent infrastructure and were well funded by their social connections. Their paramilitary wing, the Volksfront, were experienced with great training and discipline.<br>
 +
Against all of Glamis' expectations, he managed to strike a deal that would ensure the continued financial support of the PPB as a political underground movement.<br>
 +
The Bundschuh would pay for food and shelter for the Refugees at Freeport 1 and on Trafalgar for two years, hoping that after that time the PPB would be able to look out for its self and repay the favor in the future.<br>
 +
Glamis didn't fool himself. He knew that his party had absolutely no knowledge of how to survive as a space-born operation. It was for that very reason that he also asked to have the protecting aegis of the Volksfront extended to the PPB.
 +
After he sent this proposal, a heated discussion ensued within the Command structure of the Volksfront and Bundschuh as a whole. In the end however, the pro-sirian wing of the Bundschuh prevailed, arguing that not only would this be an investment that would pay out ten times over, but that an increase of democracy and socialism in Sirius could only benefit the Bundschuh's cause in the long run.<br>
 +
After they officially agreed, the Volksfront redeployed three fighter squads as well as the Gunships "Volkswille" and "Freiheit" to Trafalgar and the various molly bases, in order to provide immediate Protection. Another 130 PPB members were brought to Bruchsal and Bielefeld right away, to receive a crash course in guerrilla warfare, spaceborne public relations and dog fighting. <br>
 +
Two months later, another 130 Party members were transferred to be properly educated as drill sergeants, teachers and officer trainers in an effort to further increase independence of the PPB's Volksfront divisions, later known as western Volksfront, from the Bundschuh.
 +
However, all these perks came at a high price. <br>
 +
- The PPB had to provide 300 conscripts over the course of the next ten years to migrate into Rheinland's Volksfront.
 +
- Both the PPB's and the Bundschuh's Volksfront divisions would have to be placed under a common High Command. Needless to say, that it would take at least 5 years for even a single Bretonian to make it this far in the command chain.<br>
 +
- Any leader of the PPB would have to swear at his initiation to support the Bundschuh and if at all possible invade Rheinland, should the PPB succeed in overthrowing the Monarch and ruling Bretonia, just as the Bundschuh Vorstand would have to swear to carry out the same oath, should he succeed to seize power at home.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
Glamis agreed.<br><br>
  
−
The refugees tried their best to organize them self on Trafalgar and the Freeport 1. But seeing as they had neither any financial resources nor connections, their situation seemed utterly hopeless.
 
−
The acting party leader, Allan Glamis, formally head of the legal department of the BBP, tried his best to keep the refugees organized and to establish connection to any space born supporters.
 
−
While both IMG and the Mollies seemed rather supportive and separately agreed to supply the refugees with food, the Junkers and Zoners who were harbouring the remnants of the Party, grew impatient after a few weeks and demanded that a rent would have to be paid if the refugees they were to extend the stay of the refugees. Glamis grew desperate. He didn't know what to do. It seemed like the PPB would have to be disbanded in order for the refugees to be able to survive as Miners, Zoners, Junkers or even Bounty Hunters.
 
−
In his last attempt, he reached out to the only other organization in the entire Sirius sector that had similar goals and faced the same situation: the Bundschuh.
 
−
The Bundschuh wasn't nearly as song in numbers as the PPB was, however, it had an excellent infrastructure, was well funded by social connections and their Paramilitary wing, the Volksfront, was disciplined and well trained.
 
−
Against all of Glamis' expectations, he managed to make a deal that would ensure the continued financial support of the PPB as a political underground movement.
 
−
The Bundschuh would pay food and shelter for the Refugees at Freeport 1 and on Trafalgar for two years, until the PPB would be able to look out for its self.
 
−
Glamis didn't fool him self. He knew that his party had absolutely no knowledge of how to survive as a space-born operation. It was for that very reason that he asked to have the protecting umbrella of the Volksfront extended to the PPB.
 
−
The Bundschuh agreed to redeploy two squads as well as the Gunship "Volkswille" to Freeport 1 and Trafalgar in order to provide immediate Protection. Another 130 PPB members were brought to Bruchsal and Bielefeld right away, to receive a crash course in guerrilla warfare, space born public relations and dog fighting.
 
−
Two months later, another 130 Party members were transferred to be educated as drill sergeants, teachers and officer trainers in an effort to further increase independence of the PPB's Volksfront divisions from the Bundschuh.
 
−
However, all these perks came at a high price.
 
−
The PPB had to provide 300 volunteers over the course of the next ten years to migrate into Rheinland's Volksfront or even the Bundschuh.
 
−
Also, both the PPB's and the Bundschuh's Volksfront would have to be placed under a common High Command. Needless to say, that it would take at least 10 years for even a single Bretonian to make it this far in the command chain.
 
−
And finally, any leader of the PPB would have to swear at his initiation to support the Bundschuh and if at all possible invade Rheinland, should the PPB succeed in overthrowing the King and ruling Bretonia, just as the Bundschuh Vorstand would have to swear to carry out the same oath, should he succeed to seize power in Rheinland.
 
  
−
Glamis agreed.
 
  
 
==Current Affairs==
 
==Current Affairs==
  
−
In the last two years, the PPB has understaken numerous steps to make the western Volksfront more independent from its home division in Rheinland. In late 818, the western VF finally managed to deploy more Bretonian than Rheinland officers in its service. With the next wave of Bretonian Academy Graduates arriving from Bielefeld University in the upcoming year, most of the eastern VF personnel will finally be able to redeploy to Rheinland, save a hand full of advisory and communication officers.
+
Over the last two years, the PPB has undertaken numerous steps to make the western Volksfront more independent from its home division in Rheinland. In late 818, the western VF finally managed to deploy more Bretonian than Rheinland officers in its service. With the next wave of Bretonian Academy Graduates arriving from Bielefeld University in the upcoming year, most of the eastern VF personnel will finally be able to return to Rheinland, save a hand full of advisory and communication officers.<br>
−
The western VF made significant progress in building its funding infrastructure by establishing a well thought out schedule to deploy lane hacking squads at vital Bretonian supply lines.
+
The western VF has made significant progress in building its funding infrastructure by establishing a well thought out protocol to deploy lane hacking squads at vital Bretonian supply lines.<br>
−
It is yet far away from being able to engage the BPA or even the BAF in full force heads on. The first recources for building up a strategic strike force could be provided in early 818. However, the young recruits and acadamy graduates don't have nearly enough experience to challenge a force that has been regularly sent through the hellfires of the taus for years. Reliance on the eastern advisory officers is still great and will take its time to nullify.
+
It is yet far away from being able to engage the BPA or even the BAF in full force heads on. While the supplies and manpower needed for a strike are just becoming available now, it would be suicide for the party. The young recruits and acadamy graduates don't have nearly enough experience to challenge a force that has been regularly sent through the hellfires of the taus for years. Reliance on the eastern advisory officers is still great and will take its time to nullify.<br><br>
 +
 
  
  
 
==Diplomacy==
 
==Diplomacy==
  
−
{{Faction Diplomacy begin}}
+
{{Faction Diplomacy/begin}}
−
{{FD | [[Bundschuh]] | +0.8}}
+
{{FD | [[Bundschuh]] | +0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Mollys]] | +0.5}}
 
{{FD | [[Mollys]] | +0.5}}
 
{{FD | [[Independent Miners Guild]] | +0.5}}
 
{{FD | [[Independent Miners Guild]] | +0.5}}
Line 99: Line 115:
 
{{FD | [[Bretonia Police Authority]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Bretonia Police Authority]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Bretonia Armed Forces]] | -0.9}}
 
{{FD | [[Bretonia Armed Forces]] | -0.9}}
−
{{Faction Diplomacy end}}
+
{{Faction Diplomacy/end}}
 
<br clear="left">
 
<br clear="left">
  
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==Player Factions==
 
==Player Factions==
 
===VF) - Volksfront===
 
===VF) - Volksfront===
−
The armed forces of the Bundschuh party, the Volksfront are dedicated to protecting the Rheinland people at any cost, from enemies within or without.
+
The armed forces of the Bundschuh party and the People's Party of Bretonia, the Volksfront are dedicated to protecting the Rheinland people at any cost, from enemies within or without. More recently they also started waging guerrilla warfare against the Bretonian crown.
  
−
{{Factionnav
+
{{Faction navigation
 
|category = Volksfront
 
|category = Volksfront
 
|faction = Volksfront
 
|faction = Volksfront
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|header = Volksfront
 
|header = Volksfront
 
|label = Characters
 
|label = Characters
−
|pages = [[Volksfront]] - [[Bundschuh]] - [[Libertonian Party for Freedom and Equality | LPFE]]  
+
|pages = [[Volksfront]] - [[Bundschuh]] - [[Libertonian Party for Freedom and Equality | LPFE]] - [[People's Party of Bretonia | PPB]]  
−
|forum = [http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=20975 Feedback] - [http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18360 Recruitment] - [http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=18361 Message Dump] - [http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=67306 Foreign Relations Office]  
+
|forum = [[dgctopic:20975|Feedback]] - [[dgctopic:18360|Recruitment]] - [[dgctopic:18361|Message Dump]] - [[dgctopic:67306|Foreign Relations Office]]  
 
|mypages = [[Freya Eistochter]] - [[Josef Marks]] - [[Lisa Fiedler]] - [[Hagen von Seelenburg]] - [[Tearloch Sommerville]]
 
|mypages = [[Freya Eistochter]] - [[Josef Marks]] - [[Lisa Fiedler]] - [[Hagen von Seelenburg]] - [[Tearloch Sommerville]]
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
{{Rheinland Factions}}
 
{{Rheinland Factions}}
  
 
[[Category: Rheinland]]
 
[[Category: Rheinland]]

Latest revision as of 19:28, 8 April 2012


People's Party of Bretonia (PPB)
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Origin Flag-bretonia.png Bretonia
Alignment Unlawful
Profile
Date of founding June 9th 752 A.S.
Founder(s) unknown
Current leader(s) Sean Glamis
Base of operations unknown
Primary role
Overthrowing the monarchist government

Over the centuries, many left-wing parties have existed in Bretonia. Social Democrats, Socialists - even Communists. Their date of founding has never lain far from their end. They have won and lost elections; but eventually, they all failed. One of these parties however, was thrust into a fight for its survival by the most tragic of all circumstances: War. This is the history of the People's Party of Bretonia.


History

The United Unions

The situation on Planet Leeds has always been dire for the working population. Constant, health-crushing pollution, working conditions that could only be described as hostile and the lowest wages of the entire Bretonian Quadrant earned the Planet a well-deserved tragic reputation.
Yet, it was the backbone of the King's Empire. The Majority of all Bretonian Goods, Machines and Weapons were produced there. It was obvious to anyone - even an outsider - that a general strike by the working population would shake the Kingdom to its very core. Workers' Unions were thus under constant observation, tight control and the threat of severe punishment - even disbandment, were they to violate the Crown's Laws.
In 723, after the export boom to the recovering Reich of Rheinland had ended, after wages were lowered and workers let go, many of the Planet's Unions sought to become part of a common organization could help them to better manage their representation. Be it to coordinate strikes or employ a common professional legal department to protect them, the workers recognized the safety of numbers.
It was in this year's 3rd of September, that the United Worker's Unions of Leeds (UWUL) was founded. At first, the organization claimed success. Striking workers could be legally protected and the increase of protests put a crushing pressure on the Planet's authorities to improve the conditions for the working population.
In time however, instead of answering the justified demands of the UWUL, the government established a new law that specifically prohibited the interconnection of unrelated workers' unions thus banning the UWUL only three years after it was founded.
It was then that the UWUL's administration and the workers they represented acknowledged that true change could only be achieved on a political level.


The People's Party of Leeds

With the passion of an enraged population at their backs, the former administration of the UWUL quickly formed the foundation of a new party. A party that wouldn't be dedicated to a realm, to finance or to a single man - like all the others were - but to the people. The People of Leeds and eventually, the People of Bretonia.
In 728, the People's Party of Leeds (PPL) was officially founded and ready to contest the planetary election of 730. Even though it just had been founded, it surged to become the second strongest power in planetary parliament with an impressive 28.3 % of the vote. It was kept in opposition however, by a concerted effort of the established parties. Unable to find coalition partners, the PPL entered the opposition. In particular, the Federalist Party feared that it would loose much of its powerbase to the PPL if the voters would feel that the PPL would be more progressive and efficient than they were.
Despite these initial difficulties, the PPL was still able to continue gaining popular support. In opposition, the PPL continued to poll well by complaining about the failings of the current government while in the spotlight of media attention as an opposition party. Two terms later, in 738, the PPL became the strongest party with 36% of the vot, growing largely to the detriment of the Federalist party. Out of all established parties, only the opportunists of the Democratic party dared to form a coaltion, joining the new government.
What many of the PPL thought to be the greatest day in the existence of their party, would later be recognized as the first day of its inevitable stagnation. While the new government under the control of the PPL enacted several laws to take the pressure off of the unions, enforce a minimum wage and a introduce mandatory public health insurance for every citizen of Leeds, these programs came at a cost.
These changes were favourably perceived by the brought population in the beginning, but it soon became clear that the Party had no real means to finance these social benefits and thus were piling up huge amounts of planetary debt.
This development attracted negative attention from across the empire. With Planet Cambridge already in debt, New London barely profitable, and now even Leeds' books written in red ink, the ruling echelon of the empire grew increasingly concerned about Leeds' upstarts.
Crown and imperial parties threatened the PPL several times to abandon their social agenda, ensuring Leeds' continued profitability, but the PPL refused to budge. Determined to set things right, these groups began to publicly decry the anti-patriotism and foolishness of the party. Eventually, polls indicated that both of the governing coalition parties had lost more than 50% of their support as a consequence of this path. After three years of the term had passed, the Democratic party that just had rubber-stamped every of the PPL's laws, left the coalition and did everything they could to sabotage the PPL's ability to pass further legislation.
After a final smear campaign was staged against the premier of Leeds, showing him in a luxury hotel with a prostitute only months before the election, and with the King constantly supporting their opponents, the PPL suffered a crushing defeat, dropping to a mere 12.4% of the vote.


The People's Party of Bretonia

The PPL never recovered. In the aftermath of their defeat, one third of their members left in order to join the Federalist Party. A long period of internal turmoil broke out. Party chairmen changed on an almost yearly basis. Never again would the PPL receive more than 10% of the vote.
However, ten years later, in 752, the party had finally stopped infighting for a long enough period to establish a road map to get into power again.
They believed that it was not their social policies were to blame for their failure, but established parties, the higher classes and the crown itself. Every year, New London created debt - forcing the weaker systems to pay it. While it lay in the nature of Planet of Cambridge as a research and agricultural centre to be relatively revenue neutral, the rich and under-taxed population of New London, embodied by the King himself, lived on the backs of Leeds' simple citizens.
Once again, the PPL acknowledged the need to reach into higher places to effect changes, this time they sought to have an influence on the empire itself.

On June 9th 752, the People's Party of Bretonia was founded.

The PPB never achieved true popularity. Its image was still damaged. It was perceived as anti-patriotic, hostile towards the crown and simply too incompetent and dangerous for the Bretonian economy. Since the party's supporters weren't Lords of New London, Industrial representatives of Leeds or successful Professors of Cambridge - only the poor Unions, they never managed to launch an efficient campaign, never getting more than 5% of the vote at any Imperial election. All that changed, when an event, unforeseen by any in the empire, served to unite the PPB in a way they'd never imagined.


Ban, Escape & Refuge

Only one year after the war started, polls showed the PPB climbing up to 7% support as the situation of the working class in the ongoing war worsened with every month. Many were forced to work in the armament industry, often without overtime; Eventually, only a small portion of the wages would be paid - if at all. At the elections in 817, the PPB achieved an earthshaking doubling of their support to 15% of the vote.
The Crown and its ruling Royalist Party witnessed this revival with great concern. If the PPB could continue to encourage strikes and riots across the planets of the empire, The war effort would be in danger and the House of Bretonia could face imminent defeat.
Shortly after the election, a massive general strike on Planet Leeds escalated into a violent riot when the BPA attempted to dissolve the protests. Many protesters were killed in the ensuing street riot and some sought refuge in the party offices of the PPB on Leeds; The BPA barred from entering any political installation without a proper court order - not even under probable cause.
The Royalist government saw a chance to use this incident to ban the PPB and thus deal a huge blow to the workers' movements - further ensuring the smooth function of the Leeds' wartime industry.

On April 21st 817, the PPB was banned for harbouring enemies of the Empire, Obstruction of Justice and conspiring against the Crown of Bretonia.


The Volksfront Protects

The BPA didn't waste any time. Only hours after the law was ratified, police raids were launched against all party offices across the Empire and all Party Members detained were imprisoned and charged with treason.
Shortly before the raids, certain PPB members and privileged supporters saw enough of the writing on the wall to make an organized attempt to flee from their respective planets into open space, seeking refuge on stations that weren't under direct Bretonian Influence: Freeport 1, Cardiff, Trafalgar & the Hood. Every IMG base, however, was raided.

Out of over 150.000 party members, only 4000 managed to escape.

The refugees tried their best to organize themselves on Trafalgar and the Freeport 1. But seeing as they had neither financial resources nor any remaining political connections, their situation seemed utterly hopeless.
The acting party leader, Sean Glamis, formally head of the legal department of the PPB, tried his best to keep the refugees organized and to establish connections with any spaceborne supporters.
While the Junkers seemed rather supportive, agreeing to supply the refugees with food in what they must have seen as an investment, the IMG and Zoners harboring the remnants of the Party grew impatient after a few days and demanded that a rent be paid if the refugees were to extend their stay. However, the main issue for Glamis wasn't overstaying his welcome at the Mining Stations and Freeports but simply the fact that his followers were far too exposed on them.
He grew desperate and didn't really know what to do. It seemed that the PPB would have to be disbanded in order for the refugees to be able to survive as Miners, Zoners, Junkers or even Bounty Hunters.
In a last desperate gasp, Glamis, who never had to bear such a heavy responsibility, reached out to in an attempt to hide the remaining party members. He managed to contact the head of the Mollys and to convince him that the party would support all and any efforts of the Mollys in the future, should they grant them refuge. The separatists accepted.
It was clear to Glamis, however, that he couldn't ask for anything more from the Mollys, at least not for now.
As part of his long term strategy of the survival of the political entity that the PPB was, he reached out to the only other organization in the entire Sirius sector that had suffered through an equally dire situation: the Bundschuh.
The Bundschuh wasn't nearly as strong in numbers as the PPB was right now, but they had an excellent infrastructure and were well funded by their social connections. Their paramilitary wing, the Volksfront, were experienced with great training and discipline.
Against all of Glamis' expectations, he managed to strike a deal that would ensure the continued financial support of the PPB as a political underground movement.
The Bundschuh would pay for food and shelter for the Refugees at Freeport 1 and on Trafalgar for two years, hoping that after that time the PPB would be able to look out for its self and repay the favor in the future.
Glamis didn't fool himself. He knew that his party had absolutely no knowledge of how to survive as a space-born operation. It was for that very reason that he also asked to have the protecting aegis of the Volksfront extended to the PPB. After he sent this proposal, a heated discussion ensued within the Command structure of the Volksfront and Bundschuh as a whole. In the end however, the pro-sirian wing of the Bundschuh prevailed, arguing that not only would this be an investment that would pay out ten times over, but that an increase of democracy and socialism in Sirius could only benefit the Bundschuh's cause in the long run.
After they officially agreed, the Volksfront redeployed three fighter squads as well as the Gunships "Volkswille" and "Freiheit" to Trafalgar and the various molly bases, in order to provide immediate Protection. Another 130 PPB members were brought to Bruchsal and Bielefeld right away, to receive a crash course in guerrilla warfare, spaceborne public relations and dog fighting.
Two months later, another 130 Party members were transferred to be properly educated as drill sergeants, teachers and officer trainers in an effort to further increase independence of the PPB's Volksfront divisions, later known as western Volksfront, from the Bundschuh. However, all these perks came at a high price.
- The PPB had to provide 300 conscripts over the course of the next ten years to migrate into Rheinland's Volksfront. - Both the PPB's and the Bundschuh's Volksfront divisions would have to be placed under a common High Command. Needless to say, that it would take at least 5 years for even a single Bretonian to make it this far in the command chain.
- Any leader of the PPB would have to swear at his initiation to support the Bundschuh and if at all possible invade Rheinland, should the PPB succeed in overthrowing the Monarch and ruling Bretonia, just as the Bundschuh Vorstand would have to swear to carry out the same oath, should he succeed to seize power at home.

Glamis agreed.


Current Affairs

Over the last two years, the PPB has undertaken numerous steps to make the western Volksfront more independent from its home division in Rheinland. In late 818, the western VF finally managed to deploy more Bretonian than Rheinland officers in its service. With the next wave of Bretonian Academy Graduates arriving from Bielefeld University in the upcoming year, most of the eastern VF personnel will finally be able to return to Rheinland, save a hand full of advisory and communication officers.
The western VF has made significant progress in building its funding infrastructure by establishing a well thought out protocol to deploy lane hacking squads at vital Bretonian supply lines.
It is yet far away from being able to engage the BPA or even the BAF in full force heads on. While the supplies and manpower needed for a strike are just becoming available now, it would be suicide for the party. The young recruits and acadamy graduates don't have nearly enough experience to challenge a force that has been regularly sent through the hellfires of the taus for years. Reliance on the eastern advisory officers is still great and will take its time to nullify.


Diplomacy

Faction Relationship
Bundschuh
Allied
Mollys
Friendly
Independent Miners Guild
Friendly
Bounty Hunters Guild
At War
Bretonia Mining and Manufacturing
At War
Border World Exports
At War
Bretonia Police Authority
At War
Bretonia Armed Forces
At War


Staging Grounds


Player Factions

VF) - Volksfront

The armed forces of the Bundschuh party and the People's Party of Bretonia, the Volksfront are dedicated to protecting the Rheinland people at any cost, from enemies within or without. More recently they also started waging guerrilla warfare against the Bretonian crown.


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 Volksfront
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