Kodeshian Civil War

The Kodeshian Civil War, took place from 8 February 1927 to 12 October 1932. This conflict saw the dismantling of the Imperial autocracy and the rise of military rule in Kodeshia. Despite retaining a titular Emperor, who had virtually no say in state affairs, the old regime ultimately collapsed as members of the military, led by Guo Guotai, assumed control of the country, establishing a military dictatorship heavily dominated by factional interests.

Initially receiving support from Bakfong and Akiteiwa, royalists loyal to the old regime found themselves pitted against s, s, s, s, and an alliance of s, which formed tenuous alliances and engaged in infighting. The army leadership was split between those loyal to the Emperor and those supporting the Imperial Parliament. As the conflict escalated, the Emperor's desperate attempt to flee to Bakfong proved futile when he was apprehended by Guo's forces, thereby rendering him a mere puppet of the new regime. Although Qinghuiguo retained his official title and powers, his authority was little more than symbolic, effectively serving as a legitimizing tool for warlord Guo Guotai's authoritarian rule, which allowed him to suppress his opponents under the guise of upholding the.

Amidst the chaos and factional fighting, the military, in alliance with s, s, s, and Religious groups, gained a preponderant role. Eventually solidifying under the rule of Guo Guotai becoming the Guoist faction. The war had many facets, and different views saw it as a, a struggle between and , and between  and. Due to the international political climate at the time, the conflict's impact was far-reaching, ultimately leading to the establishment of a new political order in Kodeshia.

The conflict was marked by a fervent atmosphere and deep political divisions, with both sides committing numerous atrocities. Following the Guoist forces' victory, they carried out systematic purges in areas under their control, aimed at consolidating their power and eliminating dissenting voices. Initially, members of and Religious factions were targeted as enemies of the state, followed by Republicans and Democrats considered a threat to the new government. Military tribunals were used to prosecute and execute those deemed guilty, leading to a significant loss of life. While the extent of Imperial involvement in such killings remains a matter of debate, both sides were responsible for s. The war is remembered as a tragic and tumultuous chapter in Kodeshi history, and its impact continues to be felt in the country's politics and society.

Background
The seeds of the civil war were sown in the aftermath of the Grand Campaigns, as the populace became disillusioned with the ruling classes' actions. Tensions reached a boiling point when hundreds of unarmed protesters were brutally shot by the Emperor's troops, sparking a national upheaval and massacres. In response, workers launched a crippling general strike that forced Emperor Qinghuiguo to establish a democratically elected parliament and constitution limiting his powers. However, the Central Kesh regions of the nation, who had contributed heavily to the war effort and were mostly Haqiqatan faithful, felt their voices weren't being heard in a system dominated by Xuanism, which considered the Emperor to be the Tianren or Person of Heaven and protector of Kodeshi civilization. Though the Emperor initially accepted the new system, he quickly dismissed the first parliament and suspended the constitution when they proved uncooperative, shattering hopes for democracy and fuelling revolutionary fervour. The Emperor became a prime target of violent outbursts by those seeking to establish a more egalitarian society, and the conflict became a struggle between those who sought to preserve the monarchy and those who sought to establish a new order.

Imperial Parliament Dissolved
The Emperor Qinghuiguo dissolved the Imperial Parliament in October 1927, claiming that it was interfering with his authority and administration. The Parliament had lost public support due to unpopular reforms, especially taxation, and growing unrest. The Emperor feared that the Parliament might overthrow him or take over control of the country. By dissolving the Parliament, he effectively abolished its influence on the government and he re-established direct control over all aspects of government, including law enforcement and judicial functions. This provided him with more effective means to silence those who opposed his government. This also meant suspending the recent constitution which had limited his power from that of an absolute monarchy but in doing so he lost a lot of public support particularly within the Central Kesh regions of the nation who had contributed heavily to the war effort and felt their voices weren't getting heard and were mostly of the Haqiqatan faith rather than Xuanism which considers the Emperor to be the Tianren or Person of Heaven and protector of Xuanism and Kodeshi civilisation.

Military coup
The events leading up to the civil war began with a declaration of military opposition against the Emperor's government, launched by a group of generals from the armed forces with the support of members of the dismissed Imperial Parliament, as well as Republicans, Nationalists, Democrats, Communists, and Conservative Religious factional parties. These disparate groups formed a tenuous alliance with the military and each other, seeking to topple the existing regime. The coup was supported by military units in many regions, particularly the newly created and highly decorated Imperial Kodeshi Navy which played a key role, initiated by Guo Guotai, a decorated war hero and respected naval officer who had led a ship during the war. However, the rebels did not manage to gain control of all the important cities, leaving Kodeshia militarily and politically divided. The hastily established new opposition government found itself locked in a fierce struggle for control of the country against the Imperial Government.

In April 1928, Guo and a group of fellow officers masterminded a military coup d’état with the intention of overthrowing the pro-Imperialist government before the populace could react. The operation was launched early in the morning and Songhari, the Imperial capital city, was quickly captured. Guo, who commanded a significant portion of the modernized navy, employed it to defeat the remaining Imperial coastal defence ship, Zhongbin and Yu'an, in a decisive confrontation in  the Battle of Zhoushan Bay. By doing so, he secured his naval supremacy and effectively cut off the Imperial forces from most coastal regions and any support from allies such as Akiteiwa.

Loyalists led by Hu Guohua, another revered war hero, were the only group of rebels who resisted Guo's forces. They valiantly fought for several hours but were eventually defeated and killed. But their fighting proved vital in allowing the Emperor to escape the city. Guo's decisive victory at the Battle of Zhoushan Bay signalled the beginning of a new era in Kodeshi history, one that remains a subject of much interest and discussion to this day.

Combatants
During the civil war, the Emperor and his loyalist forces faced formidable foes from different factions. The autocratic ruler received support from Bakfong, Akiteiwa and Alva, while Democrats, Communists, Nationalists, and a coalition of military cliques made up the Republicans, who opposed the Emperor's dictatorship. Initially, Tiperyn and Marressaly supported the Republicans, hoping to foster greater trade and a more amicable relationship with Kodeshia, but eventually, the Guoist faction would dominate the Republican ranks.

In addition to the tenuous Republican alliance, numerous groups emerged that opposed both sides of the conflict. Among these was Feriuz Hydar, a charismatic leader who advocated for a pan-Kesh identity. In 1929, he formed the Haqiqatan Confederation of Central Kesh, a breakaway state from Kodeshia that claimed independence. Despite facing fierce resistance from Imperialist and Republican forces, as well as other rival factions in Central Kesh, Hydar fought tirelessly to advance his cause.

Foreign involvement
The civil war in Kodeshia was not just a domestic affair but attracted foreign interests and intervention. Bakfong and Akiteiwa supported the Emperor and his loyalist forces, with Bakfong sending approximately 800 troops and Akiteiwa providing some weapons and supplies. However, their allegiance shifted when the Emperor was captured by the Guoist forces. They then backed the Guoists, hoping to gain more influence in the post-war period.

Marressaly also threw its support behind the Republicans, offering diplomatic recognition. Other nations, such as Tiperyn, Alva, Goetia, and Kaya, played minor roles in the conflict, providing humanitarian aid or mediating peace talks. Despite a policy of non-intervention, many citizens from non-interventionist countries were directly involved in the conflict. Throughout the war, other countries continued to recognize the legitimacy of the Imperial government, but maintained an official policy of non-intervention.

Despite the involvement of foreign countries, the war drew tens of thousands of foreign nationals to the conflict. Their participation only added to the chaos and confusion of the war. Due to the tumultuous situation in the region many foreign nations from Selengeria are thought to have participated in the conflict as well.

1927
The Emperor Qinghuiguo's decision to dissolve the Imperial Parliament and suspend the constitution set off a series of events that would ultimately lead to a civil war in Kodeshia. The move was seen as a power grab, and it quickly met with resistance from deposed parliamentary members and Central Kesh former soldiers and workers.

The uprising gained momentum as the Republicans established an opposition government in the city of Chenghai. The Imperial Kodeshi Navy stationed in the Yuhai Islands also lent its support to the Republicans, adding to their strength. The Republicans steadily advanced, capturing much of the coastline and laying siege to the strategic city of Songhari.

Despite his close ties to the Imperial government, Feriuz Hydar was secretly mobilizing forces in Central Kesh, a region he was officially supposed to serve. Hydar, a proponent of a pan-Kesh identity, ultimately led the breakaway region of the Haqiqatan Confederation of Central Kesh to declare independence from Kodeshia under his leadership.

1928
Republican forces made significant gains, gradually capturing much of the coastline and laying siege to the strategic city of Songhari. As a result, the Imperial capital city of Kodeshia fell to Guo Guotai’s forces in late 1928, forcing the Emperor and his forces to flee the city and move inland in an attempt to re-establish their control. The Imperial forces lost much of their remain naval force during this period with the coastal defence ship Zhongbin and Yu'an both acted as the two main warships protecting the Imperial capital during the rebellion. The Yu'an was severe damaged at the Battle of Zhoushan Bay 12 April 1928 they both eventually surrendered to the new Guoist forces once they were defeated but Yu'an it was assessed as too damaged and scuttled shortly after leaving only as scattered naval force loyal to the Emperor.

However, the remaining Imperialist forces were unable to hold their ground against the Republican advances and were gradually pushed back further northwards into the vast rural inland areas. The situation was complicated further by the defection of Feriuz Hydar, who had left the siege claiming to bring the rebellions in the Central Kesh under control but actually went on to become their leader and betrayed the Emperor.

1929
After the Imperial flagship Nanfeng hit a sea mine and sunk in 18 June 1929, the few remaining Imperial naval units including her sister ship Anbeisurrendered to the Guoist faction led by Guo Guotai which had made significant strides in securing most of the nation's coastal regions. This prevented the Imperial forces from receiving aid from their allies, effectively cutting them off from the outside world. With this military victory, the Guoist faction began to dominate the Republican ranks, and Guo Guotai emerged as the de facto leader of the Republican coalition.

In a surprising turn of events, Guo Guotai reached a secret agreement with Feriuz Hydar, leader of the breakaway Haqiqatan Confederation of Central Kesh. The two factions agreed to a truce, allowing the Guoist and Haqiqatan Confederation forces to both attack Imperial forces. This agreement was a significant boost to the Republican cause, as it helped them to capture the vital economic and supply routes in 1929, further weakening the Imperial military position and making it increasingly untenable.

The agreement between the Guoist and Haqiqatan Confederation forces would also have far-reaching consequences, as it allowed them to collaborate and effectively fight against their common enemy. This collaboration would ultimately prove pivotal in the defeat of the Imperial forces and the establishment of the Guoist regime but would also lead to further conflicts and tensions down the line. The Haqiqatan Confederation's desire for a pan-Kesh identity and culture clashed with Guo Guotai's vision for a centralized, authoritarian state. This ideological divide would eventually lead to the breakaway of the Haqiqatan Confederation and the establishment of an independent state.

1930
The conflict reached a turning point as the Emperor fell under the protection and control of Guo Guotai, a powerful warlord and strategist. Guo effectively assumed de facto control of the country and established himself as the de facto leader of the Imperialist faction. While Guo rigidly adhered to court formalities, he justified his actions as serving the Liang, the traditional ideology of Kodeshia that emphasizes loyalty to the ruling dynasty.

Guo Guotai's leadership saw the Republican forces gain ground quickly, with the capture of much of the coastline and key supply routes that left the remaining Imperialist forces cut off and struggling for resources. The absence of their leader made it difficult for them to resist the Guoist regime, forcing them to either submit or turn to in a desperate attempt to maintain power.

In 1930, Guo's forces besieged and captured Shangyu, another major city that had been held by the Imperialist forces. This effectively ended any major resistance from the Imperialist side and left only the Haqiqatan Confederation and smaller warlords as the remaining opponents to Guo's regime. With the elimination of the Imperial faction, Guo's forces now controlled much of the nation.

Guo's rise to power marked a critical turning point and set the stage for the establishment of a military dictatorship that would rule Kodeshia for decades to come. Guo was known for his ruthlessness and willingness to eliminate any opposition to his rule, including smaller contenders for power who were either destroyed or absorbed by larger factions. However he was also a complex and pragmatic figure who was willing to make concessions where needed to achieve his ultimate aims

1931
Guoist forces quickly got to work mopping up the roving bandits and warlords that had proliferated throughout the nation during the conflict. In the process, they restored order and cracked down on internal factions, seeking to solidify their hold on power.

The Guo regime's success in this endeavour was remarkable, and the international community soon recognized their victory, with many non-interventionist governments offering diplomatic recognition to the new regime. Even former Imperial supporters, such as Bakfong and Akiteiwa, switched their allegiance to the victorious Guoist forces.

Flush with this newfound confidence, the Guo regime began building up its forces for a major offensive to retake Central Kesh from Feriuz Hydar and the Haqiqatan Confederation. While the Guoist forces had been successful in consolidating power within Kodeshia, the Haqiqatan Confederation remained a thorn in their side and a potential threat to their rule.

The impending offensive promised to be a difficult and bloody affair, as Hydar's forces were well-prepared and fiercely committed to their cause. Many observers feared that the conflict would once again plunge the region into chaos and bloodshed, with no clear winner emerging from the fray.

1932
The fragile peace that had been established between the Haqiqatan Confederation of Central Kesh and the Guoist forces was shattered when Guo Guotai broke the agreement with Feriuz Hydar and launched a massive invasion of the Confederation. At first, the Guoist forces appeared to be making significant gains during the Battle of Tung Shao Pass as they moved into Central Kesh along the flat plains with their heavy armoured units. However, their progress was quickly stymied as well hidden mountain forces pinned them down along the limited traversable roads into the region, making it impossible for them to advance.

In a brilliant move, Hydar then committed their large cavalry force which conducted a double envelopment, causing a near-total rout of the bogged down Guoist forces. The defeat of the Guoist army by the Confederation marked the end of the civil war, with Guo Guotai signing an uneasy peace agreement with Feriuz Hydar. The defeat of the Guoist forces had a significant impact on the political landscape of Kodeshia, as it consolidated the power of the Confederation and marked the beginning of the ascendancy of pan-Kesh identity.

Despite the victory, the Haqiqatan Confederation was still regarded as a breakaway state from Kodeshia, and its status as an independent nation was not recognized by the Kodeshi government. The Confederation continued to face opposition from Imperialist and Republican remnants, as well as other rival factions in Central Kesh. However, under the leadership of Feriuz Hydar, it was able to consolidate its control over most of Central Kesh and establish itself as a bastion of Keshi culture and identity. However, the failed attempt by Guoist forces to crush the Confederation also had unintended consequences. The unstable situation along the border with Selengeria allowed breakaway states and warlord remnants to persist, further contributing to the future outbreak of the Great Kesh War.

Aftermath
The victory of the Republican forces did not bring the hoped-for stability and democracy to Kodeshia. Instead, the Guoist factions within the Republican coalition gradually eliminated their political rivals, leading to the establishment of a military dictatorship under Guo Guotai. The remaining parties in parliament were absorbed into the ruling regime, consolidating its absolute power over the country. Persecution of those associated with the defeated Imperial side was widespread.

In addition to the political fallout, the civil war also resulted in the creation of the Haqiqatan Confederation of Central Kesh. After successfully fighting against both the Imperialist and Republican factions, the Confederation declared independence in 1932, advocating for a pan-Kesh identity and culture. Despite facing ongoing conflict with rival factions in Central Kesh, the Confederation managed to consolidate its control over most of the region.

In the aftermath of the war, Kodeshia was left with a legacy of authoritarianism and political instability that would continue to shape the country's history for years to come. The events of the civil war would later feed into the Kodeshi-Haqiqatan Confederation War of 1949, which saw the two sides clash once again in a brutal conflict that ended in failure to recapture the territory of Central Kesh for the Kodeshi forces. The civil war would also feed into the later Great Kesh War of 1955 to 1959, which saw Selengeria in coalition with Alva and the Haqiqatan Confederation of Central Kesh invade Kodeshia, resulting in one of the most brutal and deadly conflicts in the history of the continent.