History of Baltusia

Baltusia has a long history. Originally peopled by native seleyan tribes, the area covered by modern Baltusia was later subject to Selucian settlement, a series of colonial wars between Luthori and Selucia before becoming independent in 2039.

Seleucian Colonialism

Prior to 1889 much of modern Baltusia, including the states of Santiago, New Egelion, Ralston and Attano belonged to the Selucian Empire. Other parts of modern Baltusia, including the state of Westbrook belong to native seleyan tribes. Selucian possessions in what is now Baltusia were governed from modern day Gaduridos. The Luthorian Empire governed colonies to the north (Lodamun) and north-east (Kalistan) of modern Baltusia. Many Selucian settlers arrived in Santiago and New Egelion, with their language eventually changing to modern Egelion. The Selucians also brought large number of slaves to work on plantations along the coast of Gaduridos, including in Santiago.

From the mid-1850's many Luthorian settlers began to move south from Luthorian colonies into territory controlled by the Selucian Empire. In response the Selucian authorities encouraged Canrillaise settlers settle in Attano, however Luthorians began to make up a larger number of settlers in what is now Attano and Ralston states.

Ralston Secession

The Flag of the Ralston Republic.

In the 1870's Luthori settlers began to agitate for greater self-government. The abolition of the slave trade in 1881 caused great concern that the Selucian authorities were about to abolish slavery and in 1884 Luthori settlers declared independence from the Selucian Empire, establishing the Ralston Republic. After a short campaign Luthori settlers defeated the local colonial authorities and enjoyed five years of independence.

North Seleyan Wars

Baltusia's modern history begins in the late 19th century following the North Seleyan Wars. Baltusia was on the front line between Luthori and Selucian Empires. In response to the Ralston secession the Selucians built up colonial forces in Gaduridos and Baltusia, which lead to the outbreak of the Third Plateau War in 1889.

The North Seleyan Wars 1889-1929

During this conflict the Ralston Republic invited Luthori forces to occupy the territory. In a series of battles Luthorian forces defeated Selucian forces in the region and in 1894 the Selucians agreed that Baltusia would become a part of the Luthorian Empire.

Baltusian-Mashacara Wars

After independence the new Baltusian government initiated a series of wars against Native Seleyan tribes in Western Baltusia. This gradually expanded the size of the states of Attano, Ralston and New Egelion and also led to the creation of a fifth state, Westbrook. The Native Seleyan population was significantly reduced in size and Westbrook was opened up to increased settlement, including from Valruzian and Dundorfian speaking settlers.

Baltusian War of Independence

Although Luthorian rule encouraged increased migration from Luthori and from Luthorian colonies in northern Seleya, the local Luthori, Egelion and Canrillaise populations grew restive. Frustrated at the Luthorian high levels of taxation, initially raised to pay for the North Seleyan Wars, the local settler populations declared independence in 2035 leading to the Baltusian War of Independence. The four year conflict led to international recognition of Baltusian independence in 2039.