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Line 24: {{quote|''Consider this though. Many sons could mean a division of the Federated Suns. You have seen it before. The destruction that comes when brother pits himself against brother can shred an empire that no outside force has ever been able to dent.''|Maximilian Liao and Justin Allard at Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner's wedding in 3028}} {{quote|''Consider this though. Many sons could mean a division of the Federated Suns. You have seen it before. The destruction that comes when brother pits himself against brother can shred an empire that no outside force has ever been able to dent.''|Maximilian Liao and Justin Allard at Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner's wedding in 3028}} − The '''Federated Commonwealth Civil War''' (otherwise known as the '''FedCom Civil War''' or abbreviated '''FCCW''') was one of the most devastating wars to take place in the [[Inner Sphere]]. It lasted from [[3062]] until [[3067]] and destroyed hundreds of regiments from both of the former [[Federated Commonwealth]] states, namely the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]]. In addition to these two primary combatants, many others were also involved in the Civil War. The [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Free Worlds League]] were dragged into the fighting, the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Clan Jade Falcon]] took advantage of the situation to gain territory at the expense of the two warring states, and numerous mercenary units took part in the conflict on both sides. + The '''Federated Commonwealth Civil War''' (otherwise known as the '''FedCom Civil War''' or abbreviated as '''FCCW''') was one of the most devastating wars to take place in the [[Inner Sphere]]. It lasted from [[3062]] until [[3067]] and destroyed hundreds of regiments from both of the former [[Federated Commonwealth]] states, namely the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]]. In addition to these two primary combatants, many others were also involved in the Civil War. The [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Free Worlds League]] were dragged into the fighting, the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Clan Jade Falcon]] took advantage of the situation to gain territory at the expense of the two warring states, and numerous mercenary units took part in the conflict on both sides. The very nature and scope of this conflict make it difficult to summarize. This was not a traditional war with waves and fronts. Rather, fighting tended to break out between garrisoned units assigned to the same world, often resulting in extended fighting with neither side emerging as the undisputed victor. In some cases, reinforcements were sent to help capture important worlds (as was the case with [[Tikonov]], [[Kathil]], and [[Dalkeith]]), only to find that the other side had done the same, creating "meat grinders" as neither side was able to secure an advantage for any length of time. In a few cases, military leaders like [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], [[Maria Esteban]], and [[Tancred Sandoval]] were able to assemble task forces from the few units that were not embroiled in the conflict, but these were usually employed to take a single objective rather than create a military front. Even in areas where there were no line units, fighting still took place between local militias, though these events often went undocumented. The very nature and scope of this conflict make it difficult to summarize. This was not a traditional war with waves and fronts. Rather, fighting tended to break out between garrisoned units assigned to the same world, often resulting in extended fighting with neither side emerging as the undisputed victor. In some cases, reinforcements were sent to help capture important worlds (as was the case with [[Tikonov]], [[Kathil]], and [[Dalkeith]]), only to find that the other side had done the same, creating "meat grinders" as neither side was able to secure an advantage for any length of time. In a few cases, military leaders like [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], [[Maria Esteban]], and [[Tancred Sandoval]] were able to assemble task forces from the few units that were not embroiled in the conflict, but these were usually employed to take a single objective rather than create a military front. Even in areas where there were no line units, fighting still took place between local militias, though these events often went undocumented. Line 47:
Line 47: Victor, as the eldest child, stood poised to take over both nations from his parents after their deaths, but his next eldest sibling, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]], schemed to take control. It was she who had had their mother Melissa assassinated in [[3055]], three years after their father's death, making Victor Archon-Prince of the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. She further manipulated events by playing up her Lyran nationalism, often leaving the "Davion" off of her surname, and took to referring to herself as "Katrina," after her maternal grandmother. These small actions paid dividends after the [[Second Skye Revolt]], when Victor permanently moved his court to [[New Avalon]], leaving Katherine as his regent on [[Tharkad]]. Katherine took advantage of the [[Operation Guerrero|Liao-Marik Invasion of 3057]] by invoking Emergency War Powers and seceding the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth from her brother's realm and recalling all traditionally Lyran units to within traditional borders. In doing so she gave Marik his objective, causing him to end his offensive. This situation led to the creation of the [[Chaos March]] and forever sundered the Federated Commonwealth. Katherine called her new nation the [[Lyran Alliance]], as she claimed that her brother had forever sullied the term "Commonwealth." Victor, as the eldest child, stood poised to take over both nations from his parents after their deaths, but his next eldest sibling, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]], schemed to take control. It was she who had had their mother Melissa assassinated in [[3055]], three years after their father's death, making Victor Archon-Prince of the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. She further manipulated events by playing up her Lyran nationalism, often leaving the "Davion" off of her surname, and took to referring to herself as "Katrina," after her maternal grandmother. These small actions paid dividends after the [[Second Skye Revolt]], when Victor permanently moved his court to [[New Avalon]], leaving Katherine as his regent on [[Tharkad]]. Katherine took advantage of the [[Operation Guerrero|Liao-Marik Invasion of 3057]] by invoking Emergency War Powers and seceding the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth from her brother's realm and recalling all traditionally Lyran units to within traditional borders. In doing so she gave Marik his objective, causing him to end his offensive. This situation led to the creation of the [[Chaos March]] and forever sundered the Federated Commonwealth. Katherine called her new nation the [[Lyran Alliance]], as she claimed that her brother had forever sullied the term "Commonwealth." − Victor initially made no moves to reclaim his territory. As a result, when he prosecuted the reborn [[Star League]]'s war against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]], he left the Commonwealth open to Katherine. She manipulated their younger sister [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]] into giving her the regency of the Commonwealth. When Victor returned from [[Clan]] space in [[3060]], he came back to the [[Inner Sphere]] a leader without a nation. At the time, Victor refused offers of support to reclaim his throne and instead succeeded [[Anastasius Focht]] as the [[Precentor Martial of ComStar]]. He used the role to vote against Katherine's attempt to become the First Lord of the Star League in [[3061]], leading to her losing the election but otherwise made no attempt to move against her. Regardless, the nature of the Katherine's assumption of power and Victor's return had the effect of slowly polarizing the populace in the Federated Commonwealth. + Victor initially made no moves to reclaim his territory. As a result, when he prosecuted the reborn [[Star League]]'s war against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]], he left the Commonwealth open to Katherine. She manipulated their younger sister [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]] into giving her the regency of the Commonwealth. When Victor returned from [[Clan]] space in [[3060]], he came back to the [[Inner Sphere]] a leader without a nation. Though Victor did not want to lead a civil war against his sister, he no longer had a choice. ===Ignition=== ===Ignition=== Line 63:
Line 63: ==History== ==History== − ===The First Sparks===+ ==The First Sparks== − In retrospect, since the first moment Katherine seceded the Alliance from the Commonwealth, the war became inevitable. The majority of the old Federated Suns population and its nobility never forgave or forgot her actions. Katherine's inclination for her Steiner side almost erased her Davion half in the eyes of the people. Her constant manipulation and marginalization of the military that served under Victor's flag further degraded her support among the people of the Federated Suns. Some nobles, most notably [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]] and [[Eric Dresari]] from [[Kentares IV]], never accepted her as Archon-Princess. The first spark of the war started on the Game World [[Solaris]], and the second, [[Kathil]].{{cn}} + In retrospect, since the first moment Katherine seceded the Alliance from the Commonwealth, the war became inevitable. The majority of the old Federated Suns population and its nobility never forgave or forgot her actions. Katherine's inclination for her Steiner side almost erased her Davion half in the eyes of the people. Her constant manipulation and marginalization of the military that served under Victor's flag further degraded her support among the people of the Federated Suns. Some nobles, most notably [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]] and [[Eric Dresari]] from [[Kentares IV]], never accepted her as Archon-Princess. The first spark of the war started on the Game World [[Solaris]], and the second, [[Kathil]]. ===Solaris Riots=== ===Solaris Riots=== + {{seealso|Illusions of Victory}} Solaris is, in many ways, a mirror of the Inner Sphere, and what happens outside reflects inside, so it is not surprising that the war started there. Solaris is, in many ways, a mirror of the Inner Sphere, and what happens outside reflects inside, so it is not surprising that the war started there. The ComStar garrison on the planet had been transferred away on Katherine's orders, most likely because she believed it was loyal to her brother. The tensions on the planet between the Lyran and Federated Suns stadiums grew louder and louder. The fight between stables, each loyal to one side or the other, sometimes ended in brawls and even deaths. The hatred between the two sides grew daily, often leading to flashes of violence in the streets. The ComStar garrison on the planet had been transferred away on Katherine's orders, most likely because she believed it was loyal to her brother. The tensions on the planet between the Lyran and Federated Suns stadiums grew louder and louder. The fight between stables, each loyal to one side or the other, sometimes ended in brawls and even deaths. The hatred between the two sides grew daily, often leading to flashes of violence in the streets. − On August 15, 3062, the fight transformed into an open war. The two factions' quasi-champions, [[Michael Searcy]] from Davion and [[Victor Vandergriff]] from Steiner, fought their championship match in the Steiner Stadium. During the bout saboteurs breached the arena walls and their battle spilled out into the streets. Soon the other factions, Liao, Marik, and Combine, joined the fighting as well. In a matter of hours half of the city was a battlefield. Other conflicts boiled over as well, such as the feud between a group of [[Smoke Jaguar]] gladiators and the Draconis Combine for the annihilation of their Clan. Katherine attempted to contain the situation, sending the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] to act as peacekeepers, but this operation failed miserably. Her forces were defeated by the Davion loyalists and their commanding officer was killed. It was not until Searcy and Vandergriff resumed their duel in the Steiner Stadium, ending in their apparent mutual annihilation (Michael later was found to have survived) that the fighting began to dissipate. Though war was not officially declared until months later, it may be said the riots of Solaris were the first battle of the war.{{cn}} + On August 15, 3062, the fight transformed into an open war. The two factions' quasi-champions, [[Michael Searcy]] from Davion and [[Victor Vandergriff]] from Steiner, fought their championship match in the Steiner Stadium. During the bout saboteurs breached the arena walls and their battle spilled out into the streets. Soon the other factions, Liao, Marik, and Combine, joined the fighting as well. In a matter of hours half of the city was a battlefield. Other conflicts boiled over as well, such as the feud between a group of [[Smoke Jaguar]] gladiators and the Draconis Combine for the annihilation of their Clan. Katherine attempted to contain the situation, sending the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] to act as peacekeepers, but this operation failed miserably. Her forces were defeated by the Davion loyalists and their commanding officer was killed. It was not until Searcy and Vandergriff resumed their duel in the Steiner Stadium, ending in their apparent mutual annihilation (Michael later was found to have survived) that the fighting began to dissipate. Though war was not officially declared until months later, it may be said the riots of Solaris were the first battle of the war. ===Kathil=== ===Kathil=== − [[Kathil]], the system renowned for having the best shipyards in the Federated Commonwealth, was the place where the second spark ignited. Katherine understood the crucial importance of the war fleet, and WarShips were almost exclusively built in this system. The new ''[[Avalon]]'' class of ships was in production, and as Kathil was part of the [[Capellan March]] (a territory under the command of [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]], who didn't accept her as his ruler), she took measures to ensure the control of the new WarShips and the planet. One measure was to assign at least one Lyran naval officer in every new WarShip, and another, to keep an extra "garrison" on the planet. This garrison, the [[Eighth FedCom RCT|Eight Regimental Combat Team]], received orders from her to stay on the planet, ignoring direct orders by Duke Hasek to move to another system. The situation was aggravated when the leader of the Eighth, [[General]] Weintraub ignored direct orders from the [[Duke of Kathil]], [[Petyr VanLees]]. Frustrated, Duke Hasek bought back the [[First Capellan Dragoons]] regiment his father had sold. Fighting erupted upon their arrival in-system. The materially inferior forces of the local Kathil Militia, with a cadre of [[NAIS]], managed to defeat the 8th RCT and secured Kathil for Duke Hasek, and{{m}}indirectly{{m}}for Victor Davion. Some hopes arose that this battle would signal the end of the conflict, but they were thwarted: shortly after, upon the assassination of his brother Arthur, Victor Davion ignited the real war.{{cn}} + {{seealso|Flashpoint (novel)}} + [[Kathil]], the system renowned for having the best shipyards in the Federated Commonwealth, was the place where the second spark ignited. Katherine understood the crucial importance of the war fleet, and WarShips were almost exclusively built in this system. The new ''[[Avalon]]'' class of ships was in production, and as Kathil was part of the [[Capellan March]] (a territory under the command of [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]], who didn't accept her as his ruler), she took measures to ensure the control of the new WarShips and the planet. One measure was to assign at least one Lyran naval officer in every new WarShip, and another, to keep an extra "garrison" on the planet. This garrison, the [[Eighth FedCom RCT|Eight Regimental Combat Team]], received orders from her to stay on the planet, ignoring direct orders by Duke Hasek to move to another system. The situation was aggravated when the leader of the Eighth, [[General]] Weintraub ignored direct orders from the [[Duke of Kathil]], [[Petyr VanLees]]. Frustrated, Duke Hasek bought back the [[First Capellan Dragoons]] regiment his father had sold. Fighting erupted upon their arrival in-system. The materially inferior forces of the local Kathil Militia, with a cadre of [[NAIS]], managed to defeat the 8th RCT and secured Kathil for Duke Hasek, and{{m}}indirectly{{m}}for Victor Davion. Some hopes arose that this battle would signal the end of the conflict, but they were thwarted: shortly after, upon the assassination of his brother Arthur, Victor Davion ignited the real war. ===Kentares=== ===Kentares=== − Kentares IV, the site of the infamous Kentares Massacre, was another of the early battlefields and sources of the war's ignition. Eric Dresari, its duke, was one of the strongest opponents to Katherine. He publicly called her a despot and usurper, refusing to acknowledge her as his first Prince. The reaction of Katherine, who probably feared the popularity of Eric, was swift. She sent to Kentares a combat command of the [[Fifth Donegal Guards]] under the command of Lord [[Marcus Roland]], to garrison Kentares, ordering him to suppress the anti-Steiner movement by "any means are necessary". And Roland, a brutal, ambitious man, did just that. As the protests against Steiner occupation grew, he ordered his forces to kill hundreds of the protestors, and later assault the Ducal palace, capturing the Dresari family and executing them all. But their victory was short-lived: Eric's brother and son, [[Peter Dresari]] and [[Ian Dresari]] returned to Kentares and began a guerrilla campaign, ultimately defeating the Steiner forces and retaking the planet.{{cn}} + Kentares IV, the site of the infamous Kentares Massacre, was another of the early battlefields and sources of the war's ignition. Eric Dresari, its duke, was one of the strongest opponents to Katherine. He publicly called her a despot and usurper, refusing to acknowledge her as his first Prince. The reaction of Katherine, who probably feared the popularity of Eric, was swift. She sent to Kentares a combat command of the [[Fifth Donegal Guards]] under the command of Lord [[Marcus Roland]], to garrison Kentares, ordering him to suppress the anti-Steiner movement by "any means are necessary". And Roland, a brutal, ambitious man, did just that. As the protests against Steiner occupation grew, he ordered his forces to kill hundreds of the protestors, and later assault the Ducal palace, capturing the Dresari family and executing them all. But their victory was short-lived: Eric's brother and son, [[Peter Dresari]] and [[Ian Dresari]] returned to Kentares and began a guerrilla campaign, ultimately defeating the Steiner forces and retaking the planet. This campaign is shown in the apocryphal game [[MechWarrior 4: Vengeance]]. ==The Civil War== ==The Civil War== Line 91:
Line 93: The main theaters of the war were concentrated around the main manufacturing planets of both the Alliance and the Suns. The fighting on planets such as [[Kathil]] became veritable meat grinders for both sides, chewing up any units sent into the fray. Victor's conquering armies swept through the Lyran Alliance, taking many worlds from Katherine's followers. However, Victor's leadership was almost cut short by a near defeat of his forces on [[Halfway]] which left his forces badly battered. General [[Maria Esteban]]'s combat force (formed by regular units and militias) had set up a trap. The main theaters of the war were concentrated around the main manufacturing planets of both the Alliance and the Suns. The fighting on planets such as [[Kathil]] became veritable meat grinders for both sides, chewing up any units sent into the fray. Victor's conquering armies swept through the Lyran Alliance, taking many worlds from Katherine's followers. However, Victor's leadership was almost cut short by a near defeat of his forces on [[Halfway]] which left his forces badly battered. General [[Maria Esteban]]'s combat force (formed by regular units and militias) had set up a trap. − Victor stepped back from the fighting, to join the next [[Whitting Conference]] on [[Marik]]. He successfully persuaded [[Thomas Marik]], head of the [[Free Worlds League]], that Katherine was a very dangerous person. Thomas allowed Victor's participation under one condition: That he would only speak out, if Katherine herself brought up the topic of the FedCom Civil War. [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] followed his agreement with Katherine in an unexpected manner, as he abstained from the vote for the next Lord of the Star League. She indeed brought up the FedCom Civil War and tried to present herself as willing to negotiate with Victor, thus portraying herself as a caring goodhearted diplomat and Victor as a warmonger. At this point Victor demanded to be heard and Thomas Marik granted his wish. Victor stated that Katherine had killed their mother, but that he had no hard evidence, just like Katherine had no hard evidence for her misrepresentations of Victor. Eventually Katherine was not elected but she had her revenge as well. She hired an assassin who killed [[Omiko Kurita|Omi Kurita]], the love of Victor, to break his spirit. Upon hearing the news of his success, Victor had a nervous breakdown and suffered from depression for almost a year. + Victor stepped back from the fighting, to join the next [[Whitting Conference]] on [[Marik]]. He successfully persuaded [[Thomas Marik]], head of the [[Free Worlds League]], that Katherine was a very dangerous person. Thomas allowed Victor's participation under one condition: That he would only speak out, if Katherine herself brought up the topic of the FedCom Civil War. [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] followed his agreement with Katherine in an unexpected manner, as he abstained from the vote for the next Lord of the Star League. She indeed brought up the FedCom Civil War and tried to present herself as willing to negotiate with Victor, thus portraying herself as a caring goodhearted diplomat and Victor as a warmonger. At this point Victor demanded to be heard and Thomas Marik granted his wish. Victor stated that Katherine had killed their mother, but that he had no hard evidence, just like Katherine had no hard evidence for her misrepresentations of Victor. Eventually Katherine was not elected but she had her revenge as well. She hired an assassin who killed [[Omi Kurita]], the love of Victor, to break his spirit. Upon hearing the news of his success, Victor had a nervous breakdown and suffered from depression for almost a year. The offensive of Victor's combat group (which had conquered the heavy industrialized planet [[Tikonov]] in a surprise attack) came to a standstill and they returned to [[Thorin]] and [[Muphrid]]. Only with the help of [[Kai Allard-Liao]] and [[Isis Marik]] was Victor convinced to refocus on the present. His combat group finally returned to Tikonov, reinforcing his troops. The offensive of Victor's combat group (which had conquered the heavy industrialized planet [[Tikonov]] in a surprise attack) came to a standstill and they returned to [[Thorin]] and [[Muphrid]]. Only with the help of [[Kai Allard-Liao]] and [[Isis Marik]] was Victor convinced to refocus on the present. His combat group finally returned to Tikonov, reinforcing his troops. Line 136:
Line 138: ===Consequences of War=== ===Consequences of War=== − The immediate consequences of the war were the definitive rupture of the Commonwealth, widespread destruction, and significant attrition of the belligerent militaries. The former Commonwealth was devastated, as the conflict touched hundreds of worlds, with conservative estimates indicating that 80% of FedCom worlds experienced fighting. Tens of millions died, and damage was in the tens of trillions of C-bills. Over three-quarters of the military forces of both the Lyran Alliance and Federated Suns were involved in the fighting, and few suffered minor casualties. During the conflict two entire generations of soldiers were effectively sacrificed.<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 179</ref> The far reaching consequences, however, were much more devastating: the damage suffered by the two kingdoms caused their new leaders to choose to leave the Second Star League, dissolving it, which triggered the Blakist orbital bombardment of Tharkad, the earliest stage of [[Word of Blake Jihad]]. + The immediate consequences of the war were, obviously, the definitive rupture of the Commonwealth. The former Commonwealth was devastated, as the conflict touched hundreds of worlds, with conservative estimates indicating that 80% of FedCom worlds experienced fighting. Tens of millions died, and damage was in the tens of trillions. Over three-quarters of the military forces of both the Lyran Alliance and Federated Suns were involved in the fighting, and few suffered minor casualties. During the conflict two entire generations of soldiers ended up being sacrificed.<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 179</ref> The far consequences are much more devastating: the damage suffered by the two kingdoms was the reason which their new leaders choose to leave the Second Star League, dissolving it, and triggering the Blakist orbital bombardment of Tharkad, the earliest stage of [[Word of Blake Jihad]]. + + ==Images== + <gallery> + Operation_Flashpoint_(5).jpg|Robinson's bombing and death of Arthur Steiner-Davion. + Vangergiff vs Searcy.jpg|thumb|right|Vandergriff & Searcy first fight, beginning of Solaris riots. + </gallery> ==References== ==References==
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{{quote|''Consider this though. Many sons could mean a division of the Federated Suns. You have seen it before. The destruction that comes when brother pits himself against brother can shred an empire that no outside force has ever been able to dent.''|Maximilian Liao and Justin Allard at Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner's wedding in 3028}} | {{quote|''Consider this though. Many sons could mean a division of the Federated Suns. You have seen it before. The destruction that comes when brother pits himself against brother can shred an empire that no outside force has ever been able to dent.''|Maximilian Liao and Justin Allard at Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner's wedding in 3028}} | ||
| − | The '''Federated Commonwealth Civil War''' (otherwise known as the '''FedCom Civil War''' or abbreviated '''FCCW''') was one of the most devastating wars to take place in the [[Inner Sphere]]. It lasted from [[3062]] until [[3067]] and destroyed hundreds of regiments from both of the former [[Federated Commonwealth]] states, namely the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]]. In addition to these two primary combatants, many others were also involved in the Civil War. The [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Free Worlds League]] were dragged into the fighting, the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Clan Jade Falcon]] took advantage of the situation to gain territory at the expense of the two warring states, and numerous mercenary units took part in the conflict on both sides. | + | The '''Federated Commonwealth Civil War''' (otherwise known as the '''FedCom Civil War''' or abbreviated as '''FCCW''') was one of the most devastating wars to take place in the [[Inner Sphere]]. It lasted from [[3062]] until [[3067]] and destroyed hundreds of regiments from both of the former [[Federated Commonwealth]] states, namely the [[Federated Suns]] and [[Lyran Alliance]]. In addition to these two primary combatants, many others were also involved in the Civil War. The [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Free Worlds League]] were dragged into the fighting, the [[Capellan Confederation]] and [[Clan Jade Falcon]] took advantage of the situation to gain territory at the expense of the two warring states, and numerous mercenary units took part in the conflict on both sides. |
The very nature and scope of this conflict make it difficult to summarize. This was not a traditional war with waves and fronts. Rather, fighting tended to break out between garrisoned units assigned to the same world, often resulting in extended fighting with neither side emerging as the undisputed victor. In some cases, reinforcements were sent to help capture important worlds (as was the case with [[Tikonov]], [[Kathil]], and [[Dalkeith]]), only to find that the other side had done the same, creating "meat grinders" as neither side was able to secure an advantage for any length of time. In a few cases, military leaders like [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], [[Maria Esteban]], and [[Tancred Sandoval]] were able to assemble task forces from the few units that were not embroiled in the conflict, but these were usually employed to take a single objective rather than create a military front. Even in areas where there were no line units, fighting still took place between local militias, though these events often went undocumented. | The very nature and scope of this conflict make it difficult to summarize. This was not a traditional war with waves and fronts. Rather, fighting tended to break out between garrisoned units assigned to the same world, often resulting in extended fighting with neither side emerging as the undisputed victor. In some cases, reinforcements were sent to help capture important worlds (as was the case with [[Tikonov]], [[Kathil]], and [[Dalkeith]]), only to find that the other side had done the same, creating "meat grinders" as neither side was able to secure an advantage for any length of time. In a few cases, military leaders like [[Victor Steiner-Davion]], [[Maria Esteban]], and [[Tancred Sandoval]] were able to assemble task forces from the few units that were not embroiled in the conflict, but these were usually employed to take a single objective rather than create a military front. Even in areas where there were no line units, fighting still took place between local militias, though these events often went undocumented. | ||
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Victor, as the eldest child, stood poised to take over both nations from his parents after their deaths, but his next eldest sibling, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]], schemed to take control. It was she who had had their mother Melissa assassinated in [[3055]], three years after their father's death, making Victor Archon-Prince of the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. She further manipulated events by playing up her Lyran nationalism, often leaving the "Davion" off of her surname, and took to referring to herself as "Katrina," after her maternal grandmother. These small actions paid dividends after the [[Second Skye Revolt]], when Victor permanently moved his court to [[New Avalon]], leaving Katherine as his regent on [[Tharkad]]. Katherine took advantage of the [[Operation Guerrero|Liao-Marik Invasion of 3057]] by invoking Emergency War Powers and seceding the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth from her brother's realm and recalling all traditionally Lyran units to within traditional borders. In doing so she gave Marik his objective, causing him to end his offensive. This situation led to the creation of the [[Chaos March]] and forever sundered the Federated Commonwealth. Katherine called her new nation the [[Lyran Alliance]], as she claimed that her brother had forever sullied the term "Commonwealth." | Victor, as the eldest child, stood poised to take over both nations from his parents after their deaths, but his next eldest sibling, [[Katherine Steiner-Davion|Katherine]], schemed to take control. It was she who had had their mother Melissa assassinated in [[3055]], three years after their father's death, making Victor Archon-Prince of the [[Federated Commonwealth]]. She further manipulated events by playing up her Lyran nationalism, often leaving the "Davion" off of her surname, and took to referring to herself as "Katrina," after her maternal grandmother. These small actions paid dividends after the [[Second Skye Revolt]], when Victor permanently moved his court to [[New Avalon]], leaving Katherine as his regent on [[Tharkad]]. Katherine took advantage of the [[Operation Guerrero|Liao-Marik Invasion of 3057]] by invoking Emergency War Powers and seceding the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth from her brother's realm and recalling all traditionally Lyran units to within traditional borders. In doing so she gave Marik his objective, causing him to end his offensive. This situation led to the creation of the [[Chaos March]] and forever sundered the Federated Commonwealth. Katherine called her new nation the [[Lyran Alliance]], as she claimed that her brother had forever sullied the term "Commonwealth." | ||
| − | Victor initially made no moves to reclaim his territory. As a result, when he prosecuted the reborn [[Star League]]'s war against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]], he left the Commonwealth open to Katherine. She manipulated their younger sister [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]] into giving her the regency of the Commonwealth. When Victor returned from [[Clan]] space in [[3060]], he came back to the [[Inner Sphere]] a leader without a nation. | + | Victor initially made no moves to reclaim his territory. As a result, when he prosecuted the reborn [[Star League]]'s war against [[Clan Smoke Jaguar]], he left the Commonwealth open to Katherine. She manipulated their younger sister [[Yvonne Steiner-Davion|Yvonne]] into giving her the regency of the Commonwealth. When Victor returned from [[Clan]] space in [[3060]], he came back to the [[Inner Sphere]] a leader without a nation. Though Victor did not want to lead a civil war against his sister, he no longer had a choice. |
===Ignition=== | ===Ignition=== | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | + | ==The First Sparks== | |
| − | In retrospect, since the first moment Katherine seceded the Alliance from the Commonwealth, the war became inevitable. The majority of the old Federated Suns population and its nobility never forgave or forgot her actions. Katherine's inclination for her Steiner side almost erased her Davion half in the eyes of the people. Her constant manipulation and marginalization of the military that served under Victor's flag further degraded her support among the people of the Federated Suns. Some nobles, most notably [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]] and [[Eric Dresari]] from [[Kentares IV]], never accepted her as Archon-Princess. The first spark of the war started on the Game World [[Solaris]], and the second, [[Kathil]]. | + | In retrospect, since the first moment Katherine seceded the Alliance from the Commonwealth, the war became inevitable. The majority of the old Federated Suns population and its nobility never forgave or forgot her actions. Katherine's inclination for her Steiner side almost erased her Davion half in the eyes of the people. Her constant manipulation and marginalization of the military that served under Victor's flag further degraded her support among the people of the Federated Suns. Some nobles, most notably [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]] and [[Eric Dresari]] from [[Kentares IV]], never accepted her as Archon-Princess. The first spark of the war started on the Game World [[Solaris]], and the second, [[Kathil]]. |
===Solaris Riots=== | ===Solaris Riots=== | ||
| + | {{seealso|Illusions of Victory}} | ||
Solaris is, in many ways, a mirror of the Inner Sphere, and what happens outside reflects inside, so it is not surprising that the war started there. | Solaris is, in many ways, a mirror of the Inner Sphere, and what happens outside reflects inside, so it is not surprising that the war started there. | ||
The ComStar garrison on the planet had been transferred away on Katherine's orders, most likely because she believed it was loyal to her brother. The tensions on the planet between the Lyran and Federated Suns stadiums grew louder and louder. The fight between stables, each loyal to one side or the other, sometimes ended in brawls and even deaths. The hatred between the two sides grew daily, often leading to flashes of violence in the streets. | The ComStar garrison on the planet had been transferred away on Katherine's orders, most likely because she believed it was loyal to her brother. The tensions on the planet between the Lyran and Federated Suns stadiums grew louder and louder. The fight between stables, each loyal to one side or the other, sometimes ended in brawls and even deaths. The hatred between the two sides grew daily, often leading to flashes of violence in the streets. | ||
| − | On August 15, 3062, the fight transformed into an open war. The two factions' quasi-champions, [[Michael Searcy]] from Davion and [[Victor Vandergriff]] from Steiner, fought their championship match in the Steiner Stadium. During the bout saboteurs breached the arena walls and their battle spilled out into the streets. Soon the other factions, Liao, Marik, and Combine, joined the fighting as well. In a matter of hours half of the city was a battlefield. Other conflicts boiled over as well, such as the feud between a group of [[Smoke Jaguar]] gladiators and the Draconis Combine for the annihilation of their Clan. Katherine attempted to contain the situation, sending the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] to act as peacekeepers, but this operation failed miserably. Her forces were defeated by the Davion loyalists and their commanding officer was killed. It was not until Searcy and Vandergriff resumed their duel in the Steiner Stadium, ending in their apparent mutual annihilation (Michael later was found to have survived) that the fighting began to dissipate. Though war was not officially declared until months later, it may be said the riots of Solaris were the first battle of the war. | + | On August 15, 3062, the fight transformed into an open war. The two factions' quasi-champions, [[Michael Searcy]] from Davion and [[Victor Vandergriff]] from Steiner, fought their championship match in the Steiner Stadium. During the bout saboteurs breached the arena walls and their battle spilled out into the streets. Soon the other factions, Liao, Marik, and Combine, joined the fighting as well. In a matter of hours half of the city was a battlefield. Other conflicts boiled over as well, such as the feud between a group of [[Smoke Jaguar]] gladiators and the Draconis Combine for the annihilation of their Clan. Katherine attempted to contain the situation, sending the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] to act as peacekeepers, but this operation failed miserably. Her forces were defeated by the Davion loyalists and their commanding officer was killed. It was not until Searcy and Vandergriff resumed their duel in the Steiner Stadium, ending in their apparent mutual annihilation (Michael later was found to have survived) that the fighting began to dissipate. Though war was not officially declared until months later, it may be said the riots of Solaris were the first battle of the war. |
===Kathil=== | ===Kathil=== | ||
| − | [[Kathil]], the system renowned for having the best shipyards in the Federated Commonwealth, was the place where the second spark ignited. Katherine understood the crucial importance of the war fleet, and WarShips were almost exclusively built in this system. The new ''[[Avalon]]'' class of ships was in production, and as Kathil was part of the [[Capellan March]] (a territory under the command of [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]], who didn't accept her as his ruler), she took measures to ensure the control of the new WarShips and the planet. One measure was to assign at least one Lyran naval officer in every new WarShip, and another, to keep an extra "garrison" on the planet. This garrison, the [[Eighth FedCom RCT|Eight Regimental Combat Team]], received orders from her to stay on the planet, ignoring direct orders by Duke Hasek to move to another system. The situation was aggravated when the leader of the Eighth, [[General]] Weintraub ignored direct orders from the [[Duke of Kathil]], [[Petyr VanLees]]. Frustrated, Duke Hasek bought back the [[First Capellan Dragoons]] regiment his father had sold. Fighting erupted upon their arrival in-system. The materially inferior forces of the local Kathil Militia, with a cadre of [[NAIS]], managed to defeat the 8th RCT and secured Kathil for Duke Hasek, and{{m}}indirectly{{m}}for Victor Davion. Some hopes arose that this battle would signal the end of the conflict, but they were thwarted: shortly after, upon the assassination of his brother Arthur, Victor Davion ignited the real war. | + | {{seealso|Flashpoint (novel)}} |
| + | [[Kathil]], the system renowned for having the best shipyards in the Federated Commonwealth, was the place where the second spark ignited. Katherine understood the crucial importance of the war fleet, and WarShips were almost exclusively built in this system. The new ''[[Avalon]]'' class of ships was in production, and as Kathil was part of the [[Capellan March]] (a territory under the command of [[George Hasek (31st c.)|George Hasek]], who didn't accept her as his ruler), she took measures to ensure the control of the new WarShips and the planet. One measure was to assign at least one Lyran naval officer in every new WarShip, and another, to keep an extra "garrison" on the planet. This garrison, the [[Eighth FedCom RCT|Eight Regimental Combat Team]], received orders from her to stay on the planet, ignoring direct orders by Duke Hasek to move to another system. The situation was aggravated when the leader of the Eighth, [[General]] Weintraub ignored direct orders from the [[Duke of Kathil]], [[Petyr VanLees]]. Frustrated, Duke Hasek bought back the [[First Capellan Dragoons]] regiment his father had sold. Fighting erupted upon their arrival in-system. The materially inferior forces of the local Kathil Militia, with a cadre of [[NAIS]], managed to defeat the 8th RCT and secured Kathil for Duke Hasek, and{{m}}indirectly{{m}}for Victor Davion. Some hopes arose that this battle would signal the end of the conflict, but they were thwarted: shortly after, upon the assassination of his brother Arthur, Victor Davion ignited the real war. | ||
===Kentares=== | ===Kentares=== | ||
| − | Kentares IV, the site of the infamous Kentares Massacre, was another of the early battlefields and sources of the war's ignition. Eric Dresari, its duke, was one of the strongest opponents to Katherine. He publicly called her a despot and usurper, refusing to acknowledge her as his first Prince. The reaction of Katherine, who probably feared the popularity of Eric, was swift. She sent to Kentares a combat command of the [[Fifth Donegal Guards]] under the command of Lord [[Marcus Roland]], to garrison Kentares, ordering him to suppress the anti-Steiner movement by "any means are necessary". And Roland, a brutal, ambitious man, did just that. As the protests against Steiner occupation grew, he ordered his forces to kill hundreds of the protestors, and later assault the Ducal palace, capturing the Dresari family and executing them all. But their victory was short-lived: Eric's brother and son, [[Peter Dresari]] and [[Ian Dresari]] returned to Kentares and began a guerrilla campaign, ultimately defeating the Steiner forces and retaking the planet. | + | Kentares IV, the site of the infamous Kentares Massacre, was another of the early battlefields and sources of the war's ignition. Eric Dresari, its duke, was one of the strongest opponents to Katherine. He publicly called her a despot and usurper, refusing to acknowledge her as his first Prince. The reaction of Katherine, who probably feared the popularity of Eric, was swift. She sent to Kentares a combat command of the [[Fifth Donegal Guards]] under the command of Lord [[Marcus Roland]], to garrison Kentares, ordering him to suppress the anti-Steiner movement by "any means are necessary". And Roland, a brutal, ambitious man, did just that. As the protests against Steiner occupation grew, he ordered his forces to kill hundreds of the protestors, and later assault the Ducal palace, capturing the Dresari family and executing them all. But their victory was short-lived: Eric's brother and son, [[Peter Dresari]] and [[Ian Dresari]] returned to Kentares and began a guerrilla campaign, ultimately defeating the Steiner forces and retaking the planet. This campaign is shown in the apocryphal game [[MechWarrior 4: Vengeance]]. |
==The Civil War== | ==The Civil War== | ||
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The main theaters of the war were concentrated around the main manufacturing planets of both the Alliance and the Suns. The fighting on planets such as [[Kathil]] became veritable meat grinders for both sides, chewing up any units sent into the fray. Victor's conquering armies swept through the Lyran Alliance, taking many worlds from Katherine's followers. However, Victor's leadership was almost cut short by a near defeat of his forces on [[Halfway]] which left his forces badly battered. General [[Maria Esteban]]'s combat force (formed by regular units and militias) had set up a trap. | The main theaters of the war were concentrated around the main manufacturing planets of both the Alliance and the Suns. The fighting on planets such as [[Kathil]] became veritable meat grinders for both sides, chewing up any units sent into the fray. Victor's conquering armies swept through the Lyran Alliance, taking many worlds from Katherine's followers. However, Victor's leadership was almost cut short by a near defeat of his forces on [[Halfway]] which left his forces badly battered. General [[Maria Esteban]]'s combat force (formed by regular units and militias) had set up a trap. | ||
| − | Victor stepped back from the fighting, to join the next [[Whitting Conference]] on [[Marik]]. He successfully persuaded [[Thomas Marik]], head of the [[Free Worlds League]], that Katherine was a very dangerous person. Thomas allowed Victor's participation under one condition: That he would only speak out, if Katherine herself brought up the topic of the FedCom Civil War. [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] followed his agreement with Katherine in an unexpected manner, as he abstained from the vote for the next Lord of the Star League. She indeed brought up the FedCom Civil War and tried to present herself as willing to negotiate with Victor, thus portraying herself as a caring goodhearted diplomat and Victor as a warmonger. At this point Victor demanded to be heard and Thomas Marik granted his wish. Victor stated that Katherine had killed their mother, but that he had no hard evidence, just like Katherine had no hard evidence for her misrepresentations of Victor. Eventually Katherine was not elected but she had her revenge as well. She hired an assassin who killed [[ | + | Victor stepped back from the fighting, to join the next [[Whitting Conference]] on [[Marik]]. He successfully persuaded [[Thomas Marik]], head of the [[Free Worlds League]], that Katherine was a very dangerous person. Thomas allowed Victor's participation under one condition: That he would only speak out, if Katherine herself brought up the topic of the FedCom Civil War. [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] followed his agreement with Katherine in an unexpected manner, as he abstained from the vote for the next Lord of the Star League. She indeed brought up the FedCom Civil War and tried to present herself as willing to negotiate with Victor, thus portraying herself as a caring goodhearted diplomat and Victor as a warmonger. At this point Victor demanded to be heard and Thomas Marik granted his wish. Victor stated that Katherine had killed their mother, but that he had no hard evidence, just like Katherine had no hard evidence for her misrepresentations of Victor. Eventually Katherine was not elected but she had her revenge as well. She hired an assassin who killed [[Omi Kurita]], the love of Victor, to break his spirit. Upon hearing the news of his success, Victor had a nervous breakdown and suffered from depression for almost a year. |
The offensive of Victor's combat group (which had conquered the heavy industrialized planet [[Tikonov]] in a surprise attack) came to a standstill and they returned to [[Thorin]] and [[Muphrid]]. Only with the help of [[Kai Allard-Liao]] and [[Isis Marik]] was Victor convinced to refocus on the present. His combat group finally returned to Tikonov, reinforcing his troops. | The offensive of Victor's combat group (which had conquered the heavy industrialized planet [[Tikonov]] in a surprise attack) came to a standstill and they returned to [[Thorin]] and [[Muphrid]]. Only with the help of [[Kai Allard-Liao]] and [[Isis Marik]] was Victor convinced to refocus on the present. His combat group finally returned to Tikonov, reinforcing his troops. | ||
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===Consequences of War=== | ===Consequences of War=== | ||
| − | The immediate consequences of the war were the definitive rupture of the Commonwealth | + | The immediate consequences of the war were, obviously, the definitive rupture of the Commonwealth. The former Commonwealth was devastated, as the conflict touched hundreds of worlds, with conservative estimates indicating that 80% of FedCom worlds experienced fighting. Tens of millions died, and damage was in the tens of trillions. Over three-quarters of the military forces of both the Lyran Alliance and Federated Suns were involved in the fighting, and few suffered minor casualties. During the conflict two entire generations of soldiers ended up being sacrificed.<ref>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 179</ref> The far consequences are much more devastating: the damage suffered by the two kingdoms was the reason which their new leaders choose to leave the Second Star League, dissolving it, and triggering the Blakist orbital bombardment of Tharkad, the earliest stage of [[Word of Blake Jihad]]. |
| + | |||
| + | ==Images== | ||
| + | <gallery> | ||
| + | Operation_Flashpoint_(5).jpg|Robinson's bombing and death of Arthur Steiner-Davion. | ||
| + | Vangergiff vs Searcy.jpg|thumb|right|Vandergriff & Searcy first fight, beginning of Solaris riots. | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||