The Hispanolian War of Independence
On the 1st of July, 1864, the Republic of Hispanolia declared its independence from the Spanish Empire. The Spanish had never been popular on the island since it returned to them in 1861, but with Spanish intervention in Brazil, war against France and the humiliation of Spain on the diplomatic stage, the people saw their chance at leapt for the freedom and independence they craved.
1. The Hispanolian Declaration of Independence
Led by a group who would become known as 'The Thirteen', the Hispanolian people had long been plotting for their freedom. Arms supplies had been built up from suppliers all round the globe, citizens had trained in remote areas of the countryside to be ready for the opportunity. Spies and nationalists had infiltrated the Spanish garrisons, and many of the Hispanolian members of the Spanish forces stood ready to join their comrades at the start of the rising.
In the early hours of the morning, nationalist forces moved to their positions for the revolt, and under the supreme command of Presidente Carlos Ballesteros they readied themselves for the bloody days work that lay ahead of them. At 5am, they struck.
Assault elements charged from cover at the forts housing the Spanish garrison, while fifth columnists, wearing a blue ribbon for identification purposes, rose up inside the walls, aiding the butcher of the loyalists, many of whom were still abed when the attack came. By 6am, all the Spanish forts and barracks had fallen to the attackers, save Fort Varde, which overlooked the harbour. Here, the Spanish Commander, barricaded into a barrack block with some loyal Marines, managed to hold off the attackers for a day, before ammunition ran out, and he and his men surrendered, hoping for mercy. They found none.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Colonial Governor, disturbed from his breakfast by the noise from the town, as shocked by the view from his window. All across the town, Hispanolian flags waved from buildings. The Post Office, Militia Barracks and Police Station had fallen, and now crowds of civilians and Revolutionaries were flocking uphill towards his villa. He quickly turned to leave, grabbing his sword and hat and calling for his servants to ready his horse. Mounting his horse, and rallying the few guards he had around the villa, he prepared to flee for the harbour. Upon reaching it however, he found the 2 Spanish ships in port had been taken over by the Hispanolians and now flew their flag.
He was promptly captured, and made to sign the surrender document of the colony, before he was publicly hanged on a gallows that had born many a Hispanolian to their death. The new Presidente of Hispanolia, Carlos Ballesteros, took his seat in the Governors villa and made this his Presidential Palace. One of his first moves was to both abolish slavery, and draw up plans for the defence of the island from the Spanish. [-4,000 Regulars from Spain, -2 Small Ships from Spain, +2,000 Regulars to Hispanolia, +2 Small Ships to Hispanolia, Republic of Hispanolia independent]
2. The Flag of the Republic of Hispanolia, similarity to the Dutch flag is a gesture of Republicanism.
The new Government was dedicated to two causes. Firstly, that of ridding Hispanolia of the Spanish and ensuring their independence. Secondly, that of uniting Hispanolia under one banner, bringing Haiti into the fold and creating a unified Republic of Hispanolia.
The Republic of Hispanolia is headed by the Presidente, who holds a majority at the National Assembly, where members are elected by the populace. The courts are now completely independent, and elections take place every 7 years to determine the new Presidente. The Presidente selects his cabinet at will, and has executive power, although legislation must be passed by a majority vote in the Assembly.