Bethersontonia

Bethersontonia, officially the Parliamentary Republic of Bethersontonia, is an Asian nation located primarily in the Far East, although the cultural and commercial center of the country is located on the island of Hokkaido. He also owns the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island. It borders Hwaryeong to the south and Japanese Syndicates on the island of Hokkaido. In 2033, much of Hokkaido was ceeded to Japanese Syndicates as part of the Treaty of Galeabbey.

## History of Bethersontonia in LDU's politics

Bethersontonia joins the LDU during 2022 and remains very active in the RP. As for his political career, he will start it by being elected Foreign Secretary during the Third Sjevrean Government.

## History of Bethersontonia in LDU's roleplay

### The "Bethersontonia British Colony" and its independence from the United Kingdom

Bethersontonia was originally born as a British colony, in 1854, the United Kingdom conquered the island of Hokkaido for its optimal geographical position, especially for its proximity to the path to the star Maris. However, the British government subsequently concentrated on creating new colonies, so a "governor" was left to govern the colony, who in fact had the sole purpose of maintaining order in the colony. During this period the colony expanded greatly in mainland Asia, especially in the Far East.

In the early 1900s the British wanted to once again rule Bethersontonia directly, however the growing Catholic faith and years of de facto independence made it difficult for the British to influence what was by now their "de jure" colony. Following the Balfour Declaration Bethersontonia was granted dominion status in 1927. Ten months later the Dominion Parliament voted to abolish its upper house and declare independence. The United Kingdom, considering the territory no longer valuable due to an alliance with Japan during World War I and the ineffective colonization process, accepted the vote.

### World War II

With the independence of Bethersontonia and the withdrawal of British troops, the former English colony was conquered by the Japanese Empire which established the "Colony of Hokkaido". The territory due to its important geographical position was heavily bombed by the allied forces until the Japanese surrender. Subsequently the Colony of Hokkaido was administered in a trusteeship by the United Kingdom which returned power to the legitimate government of Bethersontonia in 1949.

### Post-war boom

With the threat of Japanese occupation subdued, the island developed economically and socially. Ainu culture and the Catholic faith rebounded, and the rebuilding effort buoyed the economy. Its flourishing book publishing industry came to fruition during this period. It also expanded further towards the Arctic in the search for oil and minerals, creating its modern borders.

### Modern History

In 2033, after years of economic recession, the Japanese Unions led by Sanzō Nosaka started an uprising on the island of Hokkaido. The revolt ended as a fair and costly conflict for both sides, unable to prevail over the other. So to avoid further unnecessary conflict the two sides agreed to the Treaty of Galeabbey which ended the conflict.

Almost immediately after the signing of the treaty. Bethersontonia went to war again, this time with another nation, Armurasia. Armurasia and Bethersontonia had tense relations, especially after the Bethersontonian condemnation of Armurasia's nuclear attack in Manchuria, which convinced Bethersontonia to side with the Manchurian separatists by sending them weapons and humanitarian aid.

Aemurasia seized the initiative, in the fall of 2033 invading the Golden Horn prefecture gaining much ground, however the Bathersontonian resistance and the prompt intervention of the armed forces of Bethersontonia led to a long and fraying war of position. Armurasia later withdrew from Bethersontonian territory in exchange for ending Bethersontonian support for the Sepratists in Manchuria.

## Geography

Bethersontonia stretches from the Arctic Circle southwards towards the 43rd parallel north. Owing to its size, its landscape varies. The north is predominantly mountainous, with vast areas of tundra and forests. Southern areas are a mix of highlands, mountains, agricultural lands, river valleys and forests.

### **Climate**

The south and middle of Bethersontonia generally have humid continental climates, with the north being either subarctic or polar depending on local geography