Hatchet University

The most attended university in the Garecian Republic. Constructed in 1811, as a prestigious institution known for its history and academic excellence. Over the decades, the campus grew in prestige and cultural influence. Hatchet University by the 1950s became a center and an icon for Garecian education and innovation.

## History

In 1805, a 200 acre plot of land was purchased outside the city of Hatchet, the capital of Willowston state in the Garecian Republic. The land was bought by two men, **Alex Porter** and **Wilson Price**. A construction crew and architect by the name of **Harvey Howell**, were hired to build a brand new academy in the state. Porter and Price had a dream. To not only make the republic they lived in a symbol of liberty and opportunity, they wanted to provide a major hub for education, innovation, culture, and so much more. Construction on Hatchet University was finally completed after 6 years in 1811. In the opening ceremony the same year, the team was congratulated on its achievements. Porter and Price expressed their hope for future generations of Garecian learners, and they even hoped the institution would attract foreigners from around the world to pursue their education dreams. That same night the whole crew and ceremony attendees celebrated all night.

As the 1840s nationalist movements began to pick up in Europe and Asia, the Hatchet University saw hundreds of new students coming from all over the world, fulfilling the dreams of Porter and Price. Students from Mrassia, Aneto, Abaland, Lindonce, Jayassia, and many other states showed up on Garecian shores to begin their classes. These young minds would soon travel back to Europe and spread the knowledge of what they have learned overseas.

During the **Briayonish** and **Lindoncian** invasion of Garecia from 1850-1852, small militias composed of both students and professors alike rounded together what weapons and supplies they could to fend off the invaders. It was hoped by many staff members that the military would soon arrive to reinforce the front and even maybe push the enemy back. This would come near the end of the year when the city of Hatchet itself was retaken by the Garecian military.

When the **First Garecian Civil War** broke out in 1866, fearing a repeat of the 1850s, the federal government allowed Hatchet University and other college staff members across the country to establish defensive perimeters around the campuses in case of an attack from the recently proclaimed **Garecian Federation** in the South. Meanwhile all Federation and proto-fascist imagery and sympathies were banned, causing uproar among many students who claimed this infringed on their right to express and align with whomever they pleased. The end of the 1GCW by 1871 saw celebrations erupt in the halls of the university, however thousands laid in mourning due to the tragic and massive loss of life the war brought to the country. Many students of military service age had died in the conflict. The same year, three months following the final peace treaty, a large funeral honoring the students who had fallen took place. Family and close friends from across the country were allowed to attend this rare occasion.

The declining position of the country worldwide and a downwards economy, led to some groups of students joining radical ideological factions. Communism and proto-fascism began to take up root very quickly. The professors and staff members attempted to contain the rise in radicalism the best they could but to no avail. With the establishment of the **Grand Council of Garecian Syndicalists** in Briswall in 1909, many students left campus to join its ranks, placing the HU into a state of decline. As divisions grew larger, many began to refer to HU as the “government away from the government.”

As the **Weltkrieg** began between the **Global Alliance** and the **Clacton Entente**, many students supported the government’s decision to maintain neutrality, however now the staff had to satisfy the Mrassian and Alisican students who supported the Global Powers, and the Lindoncian, Briayonish and Kanetalian students who supported the Clacton Entente. Protests broke out in support of both sides, meanwhile the staff managed to continue pursuing its neutral stance. Pro-Clacton Entente students were outraged when the news arrived by 1918 that the Global Alliance was victorious in the Weltkrieg. Outraged by this development, **Ethan Knight** and **Gauthier Le Tonnelier** launched a terrorist attack on the main hall. Following an extensive investigation, the two men were arrested and the rebuilding process began. But the attack showed the institution’s weaknesses, and radicalism only grew worse.

## Locations

**Grand Archives** ---> This massive library located in the North Wing of the building is filled with historical and modern texts, written both by common men and women along with famous historical figures like Thomas Garret, Ace Hudson, Natasha Hill and many others.

**Hatchet University Auditorium** ---> Largest and highest quality auditorium in the state of Willowston, and some debate its the best in the entire country.

**Tasty Cafe** ---> The main eating quarters on campus where in the morning students may grab a quick cup of coffee, or tea in the evening. There are also massive gatherings during lunch and dinner hour periods.

**Common Sector** ---> The student housing region. Organized in a small neighborhood fashion, there are a total of 100,000 homes and apartments where students and roommates can rent for the semester. Students are only able to take up residence in groups of 5.