Generation Theory (Principia Moderni III Map Game)

The Borealian Generation Theory is a theory developed by Borealian sociologist Wilhelm Strauss to explain sociological patterns in generations. It's basic premise is a 40-year pendulum between Awakening and Crisis eras.

Theory Mechanics
The basis of the theory is how history repeats as soon as the previous generation dies out. This period of time, known in ancient Rome as a Saeculum, gives a full cycle of history every 60-80 years or so. With the difference between a younger and older generation of 30-40 years, that gives an alternation between two different generation types every 30-40 years. The first generation type, known as a Hero Generation, is typified by strict practicality focused on the greatness of national pride. The second type, known as a Prophet Generation, looks for moral and philsophical defficiencies in society, and strive to improve the nation internally to help those in need. In times of stress, the Hero Generation calls to arms in a bloody war as a climax, while the Prophet Generation gathers in a mostly bloodless uprising as a climax.

Spanish Colonial War (Crisis)
At this stage, the Hero Generation were the mosly Hispanic and Bavarian immigrants who went to war as a reaction to the Bavarian invasion from the north (part of the larger conflict known as the War of the Grand Coalition). This climaxed in 1748. The end of the war established the Colony of New Austria, in which the adult Hero Generation (such as Francesco de Ortega) worked to rebuild the society in a thriving agricultural community

Borealian Revolution (Awakening)
At this point, the next generation of mixed Hispanic and Bavarians resulted in a Prophet generation emerging. These Prophets created the philosophy of Borealianism, and saw a moral defficiency primarily in the current governorship, almost leading to civil war. This climaxed in 1785 with the bloodless Borealian Revolution. Queen Mary of Bavaria granted New Austria independence at this point as the Commonwealth of Borealia. This Prophet generation, led by the statesmen Peter Lasuen, went on to establish the moralistic policy of Borealia enshrined in the New Munich Declaration.

Norse-Nehilaw War (Crisis)
As the next generation grew up under the Borealian philosophy, they became enraptured in the idea of protecting the stability of Borealia at any cost, creating a Hero Generation. Thus, when the Nehilaw Sachemate (now known as the Algonquian Sachemate) was unexpectedly invaded by the Nordic Union, the Commonwealth declared total war. This major crisis, albeit external, climaxed with the Norse defeat in 1819. The Hero Generation, led by Abel Sterns, went on to establish Borealian preminence by conquering California, Alaska, and establishing the Transcontinental Railroad.

Romanesque Movement (Awakening)
At this point, a new generation arose that had no experience of the Borealian revolution or the Nordic war, and so became more concerned with internal reform. This was the next Prophet Generation. Growing up with external influence from across the continent, a movement rose up to emulate the freedoms and sufferage of the neighboring Reman Empire. This adhering to the ideals of Rome, with focus on rights for Native Borealians, became known as the Romanesque Movement. After many years of peaceful demonstrations, the movement climaxed in 1863 with the revision of the constitution, changing the Commonwealth of Borealia to the Union of Borealia. This generation went on to reinforce the New Munich declaration by pushing for the liberation of the Nordic and German colonies.

Winter Wars (Crisis)
After living under the memories of the Norse-Nehilaw war, the next Hero Generation sought to capitalize on their previous victory by going on the offensive against Scandinavia. a series of multiple conflicts arose against the Norse and the Germans, which was worsened by increasing famines during winter times. These Winter Wars finally climaxed in 1902. This Hero Generation went on to establish the overseas territories in Australia and Oceana, as well as bring Borealia into the electronic age.

Gothic Movement (Awakening)
After seeing the continuous oppression of conquered peoples by the older generation, a new Prophet Generation sought to fix these issues. These poeple saw the wars against the Germans as too harsh against fellow Gothic peoples, and even went so radical as to discount the entire New Munich declaration. Among the smaller movements arrising from this trend included the Reformist Church of Latter-Day Saints and the Nivkh Independnece Movement. This climaxed in 1938 with the release of all the Borealian territories as independent. This generation went on to establish the United Nations and is still in domination of Borealian politics at this time.

Future Implications
According to this pattern, Strauss predicts a crisis must befall Borealia sometime between 1965 and 1985. Whether this may be internal or external, and the exact outcome of such a conflict is uncertain.

Continuing allong those lines, the next awakening era must come around the beginning of the 21st century, which is when the Church of Latter-Day Saints predicts the end of the world.