Plymouth (1983: Doomsday)

The Commonwealth of Plymouth is a small nation in what was formerly the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It takes its name from the Plymouth Colony, one of the first colonies in North America. It is currently in a boiling dispute over the part of the Cape Cod region of the so-called "Outer Lands".

Pre-Doomsday
Plymouth was one of the most historical spots of all of North America. Not only was it the second settled spot in the Original 13 Colonies, but the beliefs it was founded on would later become part of the framework of the Constitution of the United States. The Plymouth Colony, which was eventually annexed by the Massachusetts Bay Colony, lasted nearly 70 years.

In the 20th century, Plymouth's population began to double within 20 years. Although this was cut short by Doomsday, the population has slowly begun to increase again.

Doomsday
The attack on the Boston Metropolitan Area deeply affected the northern parts of Plymouth County. While the Town of Plymouth was not affected, it soon received hundreds of refugees coming from Boston. Plymouth was blanketed in fallout, killing nearly 1,000 people, although under direction of the County government most of the population managed to avoid succumbing radiation contamination.

Post-Doomsday
While the situation had always remained somewhat stable in the area, the disorganization of the surviving towns and cities was a huge issue. With the southern parts of Cape Cod joining the "Outer Lands", Barnstable County was drastically shortened. Plymouth County had eventually grown into a mecca for those fleeing the rest of Massachusetts, while Barnstable remained an isolated but stable state.

The governments of Barnstable and Plymouth Counties created a provisional government known as the "Provisional United Counties of Barnstable and Plymouth", with its' capital being in Plymouth.

Foundation of the Commonwealth
In 1997, when contact with Canada was made, Plymouth learned about the dissolution of the United States of America. In December of 1998, a constitutional convention was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which gave birth to the Commonwealth of Plymouth. It claimed to be the successor to the Colonial-era Plymouth Colony and the Pre-Doomsday State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It formally claimed all of Massachusetts, as well as the disputed areas in colonial times with other colonies, although it has since dropped those claims due to international reasons.

Present Day
In the 21st century, Plymouth has managed to become a relatively successful nation with the help of Canada and the Celtic Alliance. With the help of the Celtic Alliance, it has become a prominent port nation as well. The dehibilitating factors of radiation sickness gave way to the legalization of euthanization.

In March of 2010, Plymouth officially requested for the return of Vermont's Massachusetts lands to Plymouth control. Chances are, however, that they will remain in Vermont's grasp, and many in Plymouth fear that Vermont's expansionism will eventually consume all of New England, including Plymouth.

Economy
The economy of Plymouth is primarily controlled by fishing. Timber and Agriculture remain dominant in the more rural areas of Barnstable and Plymouth. Agricultural products of note include tobacco, livestock, and fruits, tree nuts, and berries. It also supplies energy to several other countries, which is a huge source of income. Dependence on imports for many foods, though, has meant that food shortages continue to occur.

Energy
With the Pilgrim Nuclear Generating Station surviving in Plymouth, it is able to supply over 600,000 homes with electricity. It sells its surplus to Aroostook, as well as Vermont.

The station was nonfunctional from 1983 to 1999, when the Celtic Alliance helped repair it. Plans are, however, to eventually replace the power plant with a "wind farm" out in Cape Cod, since it requires extensive maintenance (including hard to obtain materials).

Military
The surviving bases of Camp Edwards Military Training Installation and the Otis Air National Guard Base make up the military of Plymouth. The Air Force is primarily used to scout the lawless lands around Plymouth. Directly after Doomsday, the troops stationed there were deployed to impose martial law.

Government
The Commonwealth of Plymouth is a constitutional democracy. It is led by a President, who is in charge of the executive branch, and a Parliament, which is in charge of the judicial and legislative branches. The president is elected every 4 years, and can run for reelection as long as he is not defeated. The president may be given emergency powers for up to 8 years. Members of Parliament may be elected every 2 to 6 years.

International Relations
Plymouth has applied to join the League of Nations.

It has also applied to join the Atlantic Defense Community, being the first American successor state to do so.