Second Vermont Republic (The Many Nations of North America)


 * Alternative use: Second Vermont Republic (group)

The Second Vermont Republic was a short-lived state in North America, which arose after the Vermont Revolution against the Kingdom of New England. At its height, it controlled over 60% of Vermont, and claimed sovereignty over the rest of the state. However, by 1999 it was conquered and reclaimed by New England.

History
The Second Vermont Republic's roots lie in the North Eastern portion of the North American War, during which anti-New England sentiment arose in Vermont over the invasion of the Republic of New York, due to its cultural proximity to New York. In March 1997, the Liberation Army of Vermont was formed by Howard Dean, a former Whig politician who was expelled for voicing anti-New England sentiments.

The Liberation Army of Vermont began a series of guerrilla attacks on New England military and political facilities, particularly in south-western Vermont. Its successes triggered a rise in nationalist sentiment in Vermont, which culminated in the beginning of secessionist protests in August 1997. During this time, LAV cells began to be formed in all major towns and cities.

Finally, on January 3, 1998, the Vermont Revolution began, with attempts by urban cells to seize control of over 70 towns and cities. Although many of these attempts failed, particularly in eastern and northern Vermont, by the end of January over 60% of the state had fallen. On 22 January, Montpelier fell to the LAV, forcing the resignation of Governor Jim Douglas. General Howard Dean proclaimed himself President of the independent Second Vermont Republic, and elections were held on February 4.

However, this success was short-lived; although it had support from Quebec and New York, the Liberation Army of Vermont lacked the military resources to preserve its borders against the technologically superior New England forces. This was graphically illustrated by the Battle of Burlington on September 9, 1998, in which 5000 Vermont soldiers, nearly a third of the Liberation Army of Vermont, were killed. This crippled Vermont's military capability. The fall of Quebec 14 days later further strained the republic's resources, and forced it to retreat on all fronts against the advancing New England forces.



For the next 11 months, the retreating Vermont forces lead a guerrilla, 'scorched earth' campaign against the advancing New England forces. Although this managed to slow the enemy down considerably, and even managed to force them into retreat in some cases, it was unable to stop their advance. By August, Montpelier, the last town loyal to the Second Vermont Republic, was surrounded. On 11 August, New England troops invaded the town, killing President Dean and ending the Second Vermont Republic.

The rump of the Liberation Army of Vermont continued attacking New England forces in the Green Mountains for the next six months, but enjoyed little success. On 3 March, the last cell of Liberation Army of Vermont was destroyed by New England bombers, and the revolt was crushed.

Government and politics
Vermont was governed under the presidential system, with a directly elected president separate from the legislature. Legislative functions were held by the unicameral Vermont House of Representatives (also known as the Vermont General Assembly)

Only one election was held in the Republic of Vermont, on the 4th of February, 1998. In this election, President Dean was re-elected unopposed, due to the New England Whig Party's boycott of the election and the lack of other organised opposition until after the election. In the House election, political alliances were fluid, and individual candidates ran on pro or anti-Dean lines. After the election, these alliances solidified into parties, with the Socialist Party of Vermont supporting Dean and the Liberal Party of Vermont opposing him. The polarising figure of Howard Dean, and especially his ideology, proved the major partisan divide during the life of the Second Vermont Republic.

The politics of the Second Vermont Republic ran generally along socialist lines, although its short life prevented any major reforms. A land reform bill, however, which allowed the redistribution of land by the government to help the needy, was passed on July 4, proving highly controversial. As well, bills were passed to ensure universal health care and removing subsidies from private schools.

Military
The Liberation Army of Vermont (LAV) was formed to fight against the Kingdom of New England by Howard Dean on March 15, 1998. The LAV waged a nine-month terror campaign against New England authorities in Vermont, and succeeding in rallying thousands of Vermont citizens to their cause. On January 3, LAV resistance cells across the state launched an uprising which eventually secured 60% of the state, with 20% more an active battleground between the LAV and the New England Defence Force. After the proclamation of the Second Vermont Republic, the LAV was incorporated into the armed forces of Vermont.

For the next nine months, the LAV fought against New England forces to preserve Vermont's borders, and launched guerrilla attacks across Vermont that left hundreds of New England soldiers dead. The turning point, however, came during the Battle of Burlington; 8000 LAV, New York and Quebecois mercenary soldiers attempted to take the city, but were repulsed by a joint New England-German offensive. Over 5000 LAV soldiers, nearly one third of the army, were killed in the attack.

For the next eleven months, the LAV waged a guerrilla war against the advancing New England forces, and succeeding in slowing their advance. However, they were unable to prevent the fall of Montpelier. After the conquest of the Republic, the LAV continued their armed resistance in the Green Mountains, but without any success. The last active LAV cell was destroyed in a bombing raid on March 3, 2000.