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| Founded = [[2086]]
 
| Founded = [[2086]]
 
| Dissolved = [[2315]]
 
| Dissolved = [[2315]]
| capital = Geneva ([[Terra]])<ref name=SLp10>''The Star League'', p. 10. "Politics of Colonization"</ref>
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| capital = [[Terra]]
 
| systems = 600+ ([[2235]])
 
| systems = 600+ ([[2235]])
 
21 ([[2271]])
 
21 ([[2271]])
 
| population =  
 
| population =  
| currency = Credit<ref>''House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)'', PDF version, p. 10</ref>
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| currency =  
 
| language =  
 
| language =  
 
| demonym =  
 
| demonym =  
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| cintel =  
 
| cintel =  
 
| army = [[Alliance Global Militia]]
 
| army = [[Alliance Global Militia]]
| navy = [[Alliance Global Navy]]
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| navy =  
 
| mintel =  
 
| mintel =  
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Terran Alliance''' was the first central government to control all of [[Terra]]. Beginning as the [[Western Alliance]] in [[2014]], by the end of the twenty-first century the Terran Alliance included the entire Solar System and had brought about an age of peace and prosperity for humanity. By funding the [[Deimos Project]] and the subsequent [[First Exodus|interstellar exodus]] from Terra throughout the twenty-second century, the Terran Alliance laid the foundations of the modern Inner Sphere.
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The '''Terran Alliance''' was the first central government to control all of [[Terra]]. Beginning as the [[Western Alliance]] in [[2014]], by the end of the 21st Century the Terran Alliance included the entire Solar System and had brought about an age of peace and prosperity for humanity. By funding the [[Deimos Project]] and the subsequent [[First Exodus|interstellar exodus]] from Terra throughout the 22nd Century, the Terran Alliance laid the foundations of the modern Inner Sphere.
  
 
Within just over a century the Terran Alliance counted over six hundred colonies under its banner. But its rule over both Terra and the colony worlds grew increasingly oppressive, and in [[2235]] the [[Outer Reaches Rebellion]] erupted. The Alliance's defeat in that conflict led to the abandonment in [[2242]] of all colonies situated more than one [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive|jump]] (30 light years) from Terra.   
 
Within just over a century the Terran Alliance counted over six hundred colonies under its banner. But its rule over both Terra and the colony worlds grew increasingly oppressive, and in [[2235]] the [[Outer Reaches Rebellion]] erupted. The Alliance's defeat in that conflict led to the abandonment in [[2242]] of all colonies situated more than one [[Kearny-Fuchida Drive|jump]] (30 light years) from Terra.   
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==History==
 
==History==
 
===Foundation===
 
===Foundation===
The Terran Alliance was based upon the [[Western Alliance]], a multinational political entity which in its first decade came to include Europe, North America, the former Soviet Union, India, and East Asia.  By 2086, its membership and influence encompassed enough of Terra that the organization was renamed the Terran Alliance. Being devoted to scientific development, the Alliance spent heavily on both pure research and real-life applications; Alliance-funded scientists pioneered orbital heavy industry and faster-than-light space travel after advances in fusion and microwave technologies, but at a tremendous price in terms of civil unrest and economic hardship.<ref name="SLR">''The Star League'', pp. 7-8, "Roots"</ref> The Terran Alliance was riven almost from the start by the division between the handful of wealthy and/or populous nations that dominated the alliance and the smaller, poorer nations who suffered economic hardship as a result of the Alliance's policies and disproportionate taxes.<ref name=SLp8>''The Star League'', p. 8. "Terran Alliance"</ref>
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The Terran Alliance was based upon the [[Western Alliance]], a multinational political entity which in its first decade came to include Europe, North America, the former Soviet Union, India, and East Asia.  By 2086, its membership and influence encompassed enough of Terra that the organization was renamed the Terran Alliance. Being devoted to scientific development, the Alliance spent heavily on both pure research and real-life applications; Alliance-funded scientists pioneered orbital heavy industry and faster-than-light space travel after advances in fusion and microwave technologies, but at a tremendous price in terms of civil unrest and economic hardship.<ref name="SLR">''The Star League'', pp. 7-8, "Roots"</ref> The Terran Alliance was riven almost from the start by the division between the handful of wealthy and/or populous nations that dominated the alliance and the smaller, poorer nations who suffered economic hardship as a result of the Alliance's policies and disproportionate taxes.<ref name="SL8">''The Star League'', p. 8. "Terran Alliance"</ref>
  
 
===Interstellar Expansion===
 
===Interstellar Expansion===
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===Decline and Fall===
 
===Decline and Fall===
At the completion of the [[Alliance Grand Survey|Alliance Grand Survey of Inhabited Planets]] in [[2235]], the Terran Alliance stood at the very zenith of its power, controlling more than 600 inhabited colonies within 120 light years of [[Terra]].<ref name=SLp8/><ref name="ISSB10">''Inner Sphere (sourcebook)'', p. 10, "A Brief History of the Inner Sphere"</ref> However, this statistic is misleading; less than 360 worlds were actually controlled by the Alliance, while illegal colonies and blockade running were common practice.  Shortly after the completion of the survey in January, [[2236]], the aptly-named world of [[Freedom]] declared its independence - frustrations with Alliance taxation policies and overbearing colonial authorities prompted rebellion on this world and many others.<ref name="P13">''The Periphery'', p. 13, "First Exodus"</ref>
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At the completion of the [[Alliance Grand Survey|Alliance Grand Survey of Inhabited Planets]] in [[2235]], the Terran Alliance stood at the very zenith of its power, controlling more than 600 inhabited colonies within 120 light years of [[Terra]].<ref name="SL8"/><ref name="ISSB10">''Inner Sphere (sourcebook)'', p. 10, "A Brief History of the Inner Sphere"</ref> However, this statistic is misleading; less than 360 worlds were actually controlled by the Alliance, while illegal colonies and blockade running were common practice.  Shortly after the completion of the survey in January, [[2236]], the aptly-named world of [[Freedom]] declared its independence - frustrations with Alliance taxation policies and overbearing colonial authorities prompted rebellion on this world and many others.<ref name="P13">''The Periphery'', p. 13, "First Exodus"</ref>
  
The [[Outer Reaches Rebellion]] lasted 18 months between early 2236 and autumn [[2237]]. Eager to crush the rebels and demonstrate the capabilities of the Alliance military, the ruling [[Terran Expansionist Party]] increased funding to the armed forces and ordered it to quash the rebellion. Under Major General [[Gunther Stein]], the [[Second Interstellar Combined Assault Force]] set out from Terra, only to be attacked at every [[Jump Point|jump point]], and embroiled in guerrilla and/or scorched earth warfare on more than fifty systems. The Alliance military proved too small to successfully hold any ground they had taken. Worse, many planets either refused to send troops and supplies, or aided the rebels with arms and personnel. Ultimately, the rebellion never officially ended - no ceasefire was ever signed.<ref name="P13"/><ref name="P13-14">''The Periphery'', pp. 13-14, "Outer Reaches Rebellion"</ref> The isolationist [[Terran Liberal Party]] simply replaced the Expansionists in power, and combined with public antipathy at the costly war, were able to order their soldiers home.  By 2237, the Liberal Party was in control of Parliament.<ref name="SL11PoC">''The Star League'', p. 11, "Politics of Colonization"</ref>
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The [[Outer Reaches Rebellion]] lasted 18 months between early 2236 and autumn [[2237]]. Eager to crush the rebels and demonstrate the capabilities of the Alliance military, the ruling [[Terran Expansionist Party]] increased funding to the armed forces and ordered it to quash the rebellion. Under Major General [[Gunther Stein]], the [[Second Interstellar Combined Assault Force]] set out from Terra, only to be attacked at every [[Jump Point|jump point]], and embroiled in guerrilla and/or scorched earth warfare on more than fifty systems. The Alliance military proved too small to successfully hold any ground they had taken. Worse, many planets either refused to send troops and supplies, or aided the rebels with arms and personnel. Ultimately, the rebellion never officially ended - no ceasefire was ever formally declared.<ref name="P13"/><ref name="P13-14">''The Periphery'', pp. 13-14, "Outer Reaches Rebellion"</ref> The isolationist [[Terran Liberal Party]] simply replaced the Expansionists in power, and combined with public antipathy at the costly war, were able to order their soldiers home.  By 2237, the Liberal Party was in control of Parliament.<ref name="SL11PoC">''The Star League'', p. 11, "Politics of Colonization"</ref>
  
 
[[2242]] also saw the end of the Alliance as a powerful influence in Inner Sphere affairs. The Liberal Party passed the [[Demarcation Declaration]] - almost all garrisons and officials stationed more than 30 light years from [[Terra]] (one single faster-than-light translation) were recalled. The majority of the worlds settled by humanity were granted independence whether they wanted it or not, and subsequently left to fend for themselves.<ref name="ISSB10"/><ref name="P14BtFS">''The Periphery'', p. 14, "Beyond the Farthest Star"</ref> While much of the Alliance Global Militia had already been called home at that point, some remained outside the new border. Some, like the Alliance troops that would form the core of the [[New Avalon]] militia, had already transferred their loyalties to the colony world they served on.<ref name="HD(TFS)p11">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 11, "The Grain Rebellion"</ref> Others, like the [[Eleventh Terran Rangers]], would turn to the nascent [[mercenary]] trade, at least for their immediate future.<ref name=FMLA63>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 63, "2nd Donegal Guards Unit Profile"</ref>
 
[[2242]] also saw the end of the Alliance as a powerful influence in Inner Sphere affairs. The Liberal Party passed the [[Demarcation Declaration]] - almost all garrisons and officials stationed more than 30 light years from [[Terra]] (one single faster-than-light translation) were recalled. The majority of the worlds settled by humanity were granted independence whether they wanted it or not, and subsequently left to fend for themselves.<ref name="ISSB10"/><ref name="P14BtFS">''The Periphery'', p. 14, "Beyond the Farthest Star"</ref> While much of the Alliance Global Militia had already been called home at that point, some remained outside the new border. Some, like the Alliance troops that would form the core of the [[New Avalon]] militia, had already transferred their loyalties to the colony world they served on.<ref name="HD(TFS)p11">''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 11, "The Grain Rebellion"</ref> Others, like the [[Eleventh Terran Rangers]], would turn to the nascent [[mercenary]] trade, at least for their immediate future.<ref name=FMLA63>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 63, "2nd Donegal Guards Unit Profile"</ref>
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==Government==
 
==Government==
While the Alliance Parliament was always the dominant government on Terra and its colonies from the late twenty-first century onwards, the Terran Alliance was born as precisely that: an alliance of member states rather than a single cohesive entity. One result of this was that power was skewed towards the most populous and/or wealthiest Terran nations who were able to further their own interests at the expense of smaller and poorer members.<ref name=JHS142-143>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 142-143, "The Terran Alliance: A Troubled Golden Age"</ref> As a result, America in particular wielded disproportionate power within the Alliance during the first decades of interstellar colonization, while other wealthy members including various European countries, China and Japan also benefited from the Alliance's lopsided power structure.<ref name="TRO3075NvS"/> <ref name=TTSOKp4/>
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While the Alliance Parliament was always the dominant government on Terra and its colonies from the late 21st Century onwards, the Terran Alliance was born as precisely that: an alliance of member states rather than a single cohesive entity. One result of this was that power was skewed towards the most populous and/or wealthiest Terran nations who were able to further their own interests at the expense of smaller and poorer members.<ref name=JHS142-143>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 142-143, "The Terran Alliance: A Troubled Golden Age"</ref> As a result, America in particular wielded disproportionate power within the Alliance during the first decades of interstellar colonization, while other wealthy members including various European countries, China and Japan also benefited from the Alliance's lopsided power structure.<ref name="TRO3075NvS"/> <ref name=TTSOKp4/>
  
From the late twenty-second century, as the remaining independent Terran nations were forced under the Alliance's banner, the Terran Alliance's power vis-à-vis its member states grew. By [[2200]] the Alliance Parliament had transformed into a genuine world government with Terran nations now subordinate, although for some member state politicians it was more of a mutually beneficial arrangement between them and Alliance Parliamentarians. Even before then Terra's colonies were controlled directly by Alliance governors, not by their 'mother country' on Terra, although those nations connived at and benefited from the Alliance's ever-more repressive rule.<ref name=JHS144-145>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 144-145, "The Terran Alliance: Perversion and Downfall"</ref>
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From the late 22nd Century, as the remaining independent Terran nations were forced under the Alliance's banner, the Terran Alliance's power vis-a-vis its member states grew. By [[2200]] the Alliance Parliament had transformed into a genuine world government with Terran nations now subordinate, although for some member state politicians it was more of a mutually beneficial arrangement between them and Alliance Parliamentarians. Even before then Terra's colonies were controlled directly by Alliance governors, not by their 'mother country' on Terra, although those nations connived at and benefited from the Alliance's ever-more repressive rule.<ref name=JHS144-145>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 144-145, "The Terran Alliance: Perversion and Downfall"</ref>
  
Following the Outer Reaches Rebellion and its subsequent withdrawal from the interstellar stage, the Terran Alliance completely dominated Terra as an increasingly repressive police state. While the Alliance Parliament had two opposing political parties, the [[Expansionist Party|Expansionists]] and the [[Liberal Party|Liberals]], each maintained and extended the government's dictatorial powers in their own way. Regardless of which party was in power, throughout the twenty-third century the Alliance government was marked by incompetence, corruption and oppressive laws. The latter led to the detention, off-world deportation, or execution of tens of thousands of Terran citizens. Terran national governments during this period were notoriously complicit in abetting Alliance abuses.<ref name=JHS144-145/>
+
Following the Outer Reaches Rebellion and its subsequent withdrawal from the interstellar stage, the Terran Alliance completely dominated Terra as an increasingly repressive police state. While the Alliance Parliament had two opposing political parties, the [[Expansionist Party|Expansionists]] and the [[Liberal Party|Liberals]], each maintained and extended the government's dictatorial powers in their own way. Regardless of which party was in power, throughout the 23rd Century the Alliance government was marked by incompetence, corruption and oppressive laws. The latter led to the detention, off-world deportation, or execution of tens of thousands of Terran citizens. Terran national governments during this period were notoriously complicit in abetting Alliance abuses.<ref name=JHS144-145/>
  
 
In contrast to the Alliance's heavy-handedness on Terra itself, the remaining colony worlds such as [[Rigel Kentarus]] experienced a more hands-off approach that allowed them to function as autonomous refuges for those fleeing repression on Terra.<ref>''Touring the Stars: Rigil Kentarus'', p. 6</ref>
 
In contrast to the Alliance's heavy-handedness on Terra itself, the remaining colony worlds such as [[Rigel Kentarus]] experienced a more hands-off approach that allowed them to function as autonomous refuges for those fleeing repression on Terra.<ref>''Touring the Stars: Rigil Kentarus'', p. 6</ref>
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==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''
 
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''
* ''[[Inner Sphere (sourcebook)|Inner Sphere]]''
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* ''[[Inner Sphere (sourcebook)]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
 
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
* ''[[The Periphery (sourcebook)|The Periphery]]''
+
* ''[[The Periphery (sourcebook)]]''
 
* ''[[The Star League]]''
 
* ''[[The Star League]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''

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