Name: Republic of New England
Location:
History/Description:The Republic of New England was formed out of the former states of the American northeast. In the early days of the post-Yellowstone world, much of New England was ravaged by civil unrest. The city of Boston was placed under martial law - along with others - and remained that way for a time, becoming a safe zone in a state on the brink of complete anarchy.
By late 2024, the military remnants in the cities were low on supplies. With no word from Washington and the seeming collapse of the American empire, soldiers began to abandon their posts. After months of unending martial rule, the population of Boston was becoming increasingly antagonistic. As a result, the remaining soldiers resorted to more heavy-handed measures to keep order. By 2025, the city was effectively an independent, military enclave.
Military rule was broken in mid 2025 in an event dubbed the Boston Uprising, when civilians aided by "rogue" military assets rebelled to overthrow the military junta that had taken form. In the aftermath, the Massachusetts Provincial Government was formed, made up of civilians and military leaders alike. It took measures to restore order and further secure the Boston area, but in a more democratic manner.
Making use of the resources and fortifications left behind by the military remnants, Boston became a beacon of safety on the shores of a largely devastated state. The city, protected by towering, steel walls enjoyed a period of relative peace in an otherwise anarchic and uncertain time. By then the American nation had been reduced to a handful of states, and new sovereign nations were beginning to take form.
Looking to bring order and stability to the region, and to gain access to needed resources, the city of Boston looked outward to neighboring communities and cities. Many of the small towns and villages were quick to join the Provincial Government for protection. Most of the cities joined willingly in search of regional stability. As the Provincial Government grew and time passed, the communities of eastern Massachusetts became increasingly aware of their independence. Though many had hoped for the return of the US government, it had become clear by then that they were on their own, and the Republic of New England was born.
The Republic based itself in Boston, the most populous city and former state capital. Without much in the way of farming, its economy and the livelihood of its citizens naturally drew itself to fishing and whaling, and all manners of maritime industries, such as shipbuilding. As the Republic expanded to include parts of New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, it began to make use of the resources found in those areas as well, and an industry grew around the processing of lumber, which was a boon to shipbuilding and further cemented a culture of sailors.
The Republic grew in power through trade up and down the eastern coast of the former United States and Canada, becoming known for its exceptionally well-made and sought-after vessels. Drawing from its brief but important period under military rule, a culture of mercenary work formed in Boston that quickly spread throughout the Republic as ex-soldiers flocked to familiar lines of work. Though small, the military and mercenary forces of the Republic are largely respected, capable, and fiercely protective of the principles of freedom and liberty.
