The Young Patricians coup (1262-1265)

The Young Patricians Coup, orchestrated by the Union for National Renewal (UNR), was a successful overthrow of the existing government. The coup was led by a group of insurgents, often referred to as the Young Patricians, who perceived the current government as corrupt and outdated. Their primary objective was to replace the existing government with a new military-led administration and enact sweeping and radical policies aimed at fundamentally altering the nation's trajectory. This coup marked a significant turning point in the history of the Agrippan Republic, ushering in a new era of governance and policy direction

## Context

The emergence of "The Young Patricians" in 1262 marked a period of factionalism within the legions of the Agrippan Republic. This particular faction, known for its radical stance, advocated for a more militaristic and authoritarian form of government. The faction derived its name, "The Young Patricians," from its popularity amongst younger and newly appointed patricians who assumed leadership roles in various legions across the nation.

In 1262, four individuals, Cules Machinium Gavalra, Skoupos Hulius Koustopolis, Tiberius Atlakoulpos, and Ianos Romolos Korinti, who had all graduated from the Patrician Collegia Legionarium, the country's premier military academy, came together to form the Union for National Renewal (UNR). This organization was built upon the principles and ideologies of the Young Patrician movement. Over the course of three years, from 1262 to 1265, they recruited like-minded patricians to their cause and meticulously crafted a manifesto for their planned coup.

Leading up to the coup, the planners of the Union for National Renewal (UNR) took strategic actions to ensure the success of their mission. One crucial aspect of their preparations was the redeployment of sympathetic legions to strategically important locations within the Agrippan Republic. This strategic positioning allowed them to have military support in key areas when the coup was executed.

Conversely, counter-revolutionary legions, which were not aligned with the UNR's goals, were conveniently stationed along the borders. This move was likely intended to minimize the risk of opposition from these forces during the coup and ensure that the core of the Agrippan Republic's military was on their side when they carried out their plan. After extensive preparation and training, they chose the 18th Szuret 1265 as the date for their coup.

## Events of the 18th Szuret 1265

### **04:30**

* The four conspirators gathered at the Via Republica in Agrippa.
* Messengers were dispatched to their respective legions, ordering them to rise up against what they saw as tyranny and the corrupt government.

### **05:00**

* The four conspirators, accompanied by ten Praetorian guards, entered the Senate, which was in an overnight session regarding the state's debt.
* Gavalra announced the coup and charged the senators with corruption, dictatorial behavior, and treason against the ideals of the state.

### **05:07**

* A riot erupted within the Senate, resulting in the execution of three senators.

### **05:30**

* Insurgent legions took control of both the low and high chambers of government.

### **05:35**

* The four conspirators infiltrated the consulate manors and assassinated the sitting consuls.

### **06:30**

* Soldiers marching in the streets declared support for the Union of National Renewal.
* The conspirators issued a decree to install Skoupos Hulius Koustopolis and Tiberius Atlakoulpos as consuls.

### **07:00**

* The new consuls addressed the citizens, explaining the events of the morning and urging them to remain at home until public order was reestablished.

### **11:43**

* The XV (Insurgent) legion engaged in battle with the IV (loyalist) legion near Lucia, with the XV legion emerging victorious.

### **15:00**

* The new government took shape and enacted a series of new laws to solidify their control over the republic, effectively marking the end of the existing government.

## Events of the 19th of Szuret 1265

The day following the successful coup, the newly established government wasted no time in asserting its authority. Here's a summary of the key developments:

* The new government issued an order to all legions to stand down and acknowledge the legitimacy of the UNR-led administration.
* While some loyalist legions, notably the IV, III, and II legions, initially protested and attempted to make their way to the cities in defiance of the new government, the majority of them eventually relented due to the fear of potential consequences.
* The UNR government issued 36 arrest mandates to ensure the apprehension of individuals deemed as "traitors" to the new regime.
* As the day progressed, citizens were gradually allowed to resume their daily activities, marking a return to some semblance of normality by approximately 17:00.

## Aftermath

The post-coup era led by the Union for National Renewal (UNR) in the Agrippan Republic brought about significant changes through a series of new laws and decrees. While these changes were met with disagreement among the citizens, the UNR's strong control over the military allowed them to enact these policies without significant opposition. The UNR's primary promise was to enhance the nation's stability and economic situation, and they did manage to deliver on these fronts. However, this came at the cost of the democratic ideals that the republic had held dear. The shift toward a more authoritarian and militaristic government marked a notable departure from the Agrippan Republic's previous democratic principles.

### **Popular reactions**

King Sigismund II of Drachenfluss expressed a poignant irony regarding the coup in the Agrippan Republic.

‘*’How ironic is't to seeth a dictat'rs claimeth to free a state from tyrants.’’*

His statement highlighted the paradox of a movement that, while claiming to liberate a country from perceived tyranny, ultimately instituted a form of dictatorial rule. This sentiment underscores the complexity and often contradictory nature of political upheavals, where the pursuit of freedom can sometimes lead to the establishment of new forms of oppression or authoritarianism.