Ohio was a state of the United States, from 1803 to 1980.
Ohio was situated in the Midwest region, and saw a steady amount of industrialization which dominated its economy. After getting hit hard during the War of 1962, Ohio nearly broke apart but saved itself under totalitarian rule, independent of federal power. During the 1970's, Ohio increasingly distanced itself from the federal power, believing that it was too far and inefficient to properly maintain rule in the state. Ohio's attitude resonated with the rest of the Midwest to some extent, with other states taking similar stances against federal power.
During the Rebirth Era, the United States saw a crackdown of states' rights and rule. As Ohio was a major player in the region for states' rights, it was actively targeted for destruction by the federal government. Starting in 1979, federal troops started to storm the Ohioan resistance and woo any loyalists to the Mount Weather regime, but it proved too little and too much of a cost for the people of Ohio. Thus, with the superior Air Force the federal power weld, Ohio became completely firebombed during the early months of 1980. Any towns remaining from the War of 1962 were destroyed, and the state government ceased to exist. Ohio was declared dissolved on October 2, 1980, and local loyal states ate up former Ohioan land for their loyalty. New states, such as Erie, propped up. On July 4, 1981, the flag of the United States was modified to dishonorably remove Ohio from the canton.
The firebombing campaign, although not unheard of during the Rebirth, was considered to send a message to other pro-states leaders. Fear struck in the hearts of dissidents against federal power as the government showcased its sheer amount of power and violence. During the 1980's, dissident activity would decrease, but some areas (notably the Northwest) seemed to only increased in fervor for state rule.