President Blackwood I

The presidency of President Blackwood I began on June 24, 1900, when Blackwood was inaugurated as the first president of the Federal Republic of Terranova, and ended upon his assassination on February 12, 1932. Blackwood took office after six months of drafting the Terranovan National Governance Act.

Blackwood, who had established his preeminence among the Terranovan Seven through his service as one of the soldiers who founded the country, was widely expected to become the first president of Terranova under the National Governance Act. In his first inaugural address, Blackwood expressed both his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the nation and his commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and equality. He outlined his vision for a prosperous and united Terranova, emphasizing the importance of economic development, social welfare, and international cooperation.

He presided over the establishment of the newly formed federal government, appointing all of the high-ranking officials in the executive and judicial branches, shaping numerous political practices, and establishing the site of the permanent capital of Terranova. He created the Blackwood Family Law, which ensured that the role of President of Terranova would be passed down through generations within the Blackwood family. This law aimed to maintain stability and continuity in the leadership of Terranova, fostering a sense of unity and trust among its citizens.

The Blackwood Executive Advisory Board was established to provide guidance and expertise to the federal government in making important decisions and shaping policies. This board consisted of highly respected individuals from various fields, ensuring a well-rounded perspective in governance. The establishment of the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board further solidified President Blackwood's commitment to effective and informed leadership, ultimately benefiting the development and progress of Terranova as a whole.

The Blackwood Executive Advisory Board and the Terranovan National Assembly had set May 30, 1900, as the date for the beginning of operations of the new federal government under the Terranovan National Governance Act. Owing to the formidable challenges faced during the transition period, President Blackwood recognized the need for a diverse and experienced group of advisors to ensure smooth governance. The Blackwood Executive Advisory Board, composed of experts from various fields, brought fresh perspectives and valuable insights to decision-making processes, fostering innovation and efficiency in the administration. This collaborative approach not only strengthened President Blackwood's leadership but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and transparency in Terranova's governance system. Maragret Winters was certified as elected as President Blackwood's Vice President by the Blackwood Executive Advisory Board. Blackwood and Winters were poised to lead Terranova towards a brighter future.

Winters arrived in Terranova on June 20 and was inaugurated as vice president on June 25. With her extensive experience in public policy and her commitment to serving the people, Winters quickly established herself as a valuable asset to the administration.  On her way to Terranova, Winters wasted no time in implementing key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of its citizens. She prioritized education reform, economic development, and environmental sustainability, earning the trust and support of both the public and her colleagues.

Blackwood was inaugurated as the first President of Terranova on June 24, 1900, at the Blackwood Manor in Blackwood Village, then the Presidential Palace. Blackwood took the oath on the building's first floor, surrounded by her family, friends, and esteemed guests. The Bible used in the ceremony was from the Blackwood family's personal collection, a cherished heirloom passed down through generations, and was opened at random to Hebrews 11:1 ("Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."). Afterward, the priest shouted, "May Blackwood's faith guide him in leading our nation towards a brighter future!" as the crowd erupted in applause and cheers."  Scholar Nicholas R.W. Heilman indicates that Blackwood added the words, "May we have the strength to persevere through adversity and the wisdom to make just decisions." These words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting Blackwood's commitment to both faith and leadership.

Blackwood arrived at the presidential Palace, where he was greeted by the members of the Terranovan Seven as well as many people from all over the world. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as Blackwood exchanged warm greetings with the diverse group of individuals. Their presence symbolized the global support and shared commitment towards creating a brighter future for all. As they gathered, it became evident that this moment marked the beginning of a united effort to overcome challenges and work towards a world of progress and prosperity.

On February 12, 1932, President Blackwood was assassinated in Fortcester, Massachusetts. President Mike Specter visited the Terranova family and signed a treaty to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote peace between the two nations. The treaty included provisions for increased trade, cultural exchange programs, and joint efforts to combat global challenges such as climate change and terrorism. President Spector awarded President Blackwood the Medal of Honor, an honor never before bestowed on anyone. The rivalry between Ivan Alhufra and Lawrence, who had been feuding since college, had intensified over time. The assassination of President Blackwood was a result of a complex web of conspiracies involving several high-ranking officials. The tragedy left a deep scar on the community, and the Blackwood family's legacy has been a testament to the resilience and unity that emerged from the tragedy.

February 12 remains a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of revenge and violence. The community continues to honor the memory of the Blackwood family and their legacy, ensuring that their legacy will never be forgotten. Historians and political scientists rank Blackwood as #2 on the list of most influential presidents in Terranova's history, second only to his grandson, President Blackwood-Vincent. His policies and initiatives, such as affordable housing programs and advancements in education, continue to shape the lives of Terranovans today. By enacting ground-breaking social reforms, President Blackwood cemented his legacy as a transformative leader in Terranova.

Lawrence life; assassination is the prime of life, Blackwood remains a powerful and popular symbol of inspiration, resilience, tragedy, and progress. His untimely death shook the nation to its core, leaving a void that has yet to be filled. His presidency has generally been viewed as one of the most successful, and he is often considered to be one of the five greatest Terranovan presidents ever. When the public ranked the presidents in March 2028, Blackwood ranked first by a wide margin, with an approval rating of over 80%.

The Blackwood family continued to thrive in Terranova, with Michael Blackwood becoming the second president and carrying on the legacy of his half-brother. Their resilience serves as an inspiration to the community and a testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity. The Blackwood family's commitment to their community extended beyond their roles in government, establishing charitable foundations and sponsoring initiatives to improve the lives of Terranova's residents.

A 1979 poll of historians ranked Blackwood's decision to authorize his cousin, Antonio Vicario's crime family, Los Vicarios, as one of the worst mistakes made by any Terranovan president. However, this controversial decision did not overshadow Blackwood's overall successful presidency. Despite criticism for his association with Los Vicarios, Blackwood's achievements in economic growth, foreign policy, and social reforms remain highly regarded by both the public and historians.

## Lawrence Blackwood Sr.

##### **1st President of Terranova**

June 24, 1900 to February 12, 1932

* **Full Name:** Lawrence Walton Blackwood Sr.
* **Nickname:** "Mr. Terranova" "King Blackwood"
* **Born:** August 2, 1869, in Jacksonville, Florida, United States
* **Died:** February 12, 1932, in Fortcester, District of Terranova, Terranova
* **Age at Death:** 62
* **Cause of Death:** Assassinated
* **Last Words:** “‘Save my son.”
* **Father:** Luther Blackwood (1839-1923)
* **Mother:** Yvonne Fortcester Blackwood (1841-1885)
* **Full Siblings:**
	+ Murphy Blackwood (1871-1963)
	+ Charlotte Fortcester (1873-1958)
	+ Rebecca Blackwood (1876-1989)
* **Half-Siblings:**
	+ Michael Blackwood (1886-1980)
	+ Salvatore Charlson (1896-1964)
	+ Aamina Robins (1911-1994)
* **Birth Order:** First of six full and half-siblings.
* **Significant other:**
	+ Eileen Britton (1869-1958), from January 10, 1885 to August 10, 1888 (ex-girlfriend)
	+ Chelsea Irving (1868-1868), from May 31, 1890 to August 5 1897 (ex-fiancee)
	+ Madeline Osborn (1870-1949), from April 16, 1893 to November 24, 1894 (ex-mistress)
	+ Christine Bracken (1871-1932), married on November 19, 1903 (wife)
* **Children:**
	+ Lawrence "Lenny" Blackwood Jr. (1886-1974)
	+ Jackson Osborn (1894-1960)
	+ Mirko Blackwood (June 9, 1897-June 10, 1897)
	+ Noelia "Nova" Blackwood (1920-2026)
	+ Melanie "Melly" Blackwood (1920-1969)
	+ Mitchell "Mitch" Blackwood (1931-1932)

* **Religion:** Novanity
* **Education:** Harvard
* **Occupation:** Politician, Soldier
* **Political Party:** Blackwood Political Party
* **Other Government Positions:**
	+ Member of Terranovan Seven, 1900-1932
	+ Member of the International Regulatory Alliance, 1901-1932
	+ Chairman of the Global Governance Council, 1901-1932
* **Presidential Salary:** $23,000/year

##### President Blackwood I's Administration

* **Vice President:**
	+ Margaret Winters
* **Secretary of State:**
	+ Christian Simonsen (1900-1908)
	+ Audrey Gillan (1908-1913)
	+ Nairn Muir (1913-1914)
	+ Carter Stevenson (1914-1919)
	+ Amari Shahid (1919-1930)
	+ David Lammers (1930-1932)
* **Secretary of Treasury:**
	+ -
* Attorney General of Justice and Judicial Affairs
* Commissioner of Internal Security
* Director of the Terranovan Domestic Intelligence Bureau
* Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals
* Commander of Defense Forces
* Secretary of Economic Development
* Director of the Terranovan Federal Statistic Bureau
	+ -
* Secretary of Labor
* Secretary of Education:
	+ Charlotte J. Fortcester
	+ Elisabeth Heilmann
* Secretary of Energy
* Secretary of Transportation
* Secretary of Health and Human Services
* Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

##### Notable Events:

* Lawrence Blackwood played a pivotal role in the establishment of Terranova, working tirelessly to bring together diverse communities and create a unified nation
* Lawrence Blackwood oversaw the development of the Terranovan National Governance Act on January 14, 1900, ensuring the protection of individual rights and the establishment of a democratic government.
* On February 1, 1900, Lawrence Blackwood spearheaded a massive infrastructure development initiative, building roads, bridges, and other vital structures to connect and strengthen the nation.
* President Blackwood's inauguration on June 24th, 1900, marked the official beginning of Terranova as an independent nation, with a grand ceremony attended by citizens from all corners of the country.
* On July 3, 1900, President Blackwood implemented policies that fostered economic growth, attracting investments and creating job opportunities for the citizens of Terranova.
* President Blackwood promoted education on July 15, 1900, by investing in schools, improving curriculum, and assuring equal access to quality education for all Terranovans.
* President Blackwood established a robust national defense system, ensuring the safety and security of Terranova and its citizens.
* President Blackwood forged diplomatic ties with other nations, promoting peace, cooperation, and cultural exchange for the benefit of Terranova.
* President Blackwood championed environmental conservation efforts, implementing policies to protect Terranova's natural resources and promote sustainable practices.
* President Blackwood unveils the "New Horizons Initiative" to promote economic growth and innovation.
* Terranova successfully negotiates a historic trade agreement with neighboring countries under President Blackwood's leadership.
* President Blackwood establishes the "Green Future Program" to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainability.
* Terranova hosts the first-ever International Summit on Peace and Cooperation, initiated by President Blackwood.
* President Blackwood launches the "Education for All" campaign, ensuring access to quality education for every Terranovan child.
* Terranova celebrates its centennial anniversary with grand festivities, honoring President Blackwood's visionary leadership.
* President Blackwood introduces groundbreaking healthcare reforms, providing universal healthcare coverage to all citizens.
* Terranova achieves record-breaking economic growth during President Blackwood's presidency, leading to increased prosperity for its citizens.
* President Blackwood receives the prestigious "Global Statesmanship Award" for his outstanding contributions to international diplomacy.

##### Internet Biographies:

* The Visionary Leader: President Lawrence Blackwood's Journey to Founding Terranova
* Building a Nation: The Legacy of President Lawrence Blackwood in Terranova
* From Dream to Reality: Exploring the Life and Achievements of President Lawrence Blackwood
* A Trailblazer's Story: President Lawrence Blackwood and the Birth of Terranova
* The Father of a Nation: Unveiling the Extraordinary Life of President Lawrence Blackwood