The Habsburg Union
From NSwiki, the NationStates encyclopedia.
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The Habsburg Union | |
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| Imperial Union Flag | Signum Minore |
With Forces United Imperial Motto: Gloria in Excelsis Deo (Latin) Glory to God in the Highest | |
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| Region | West Pacific |
| Associate |
| Capital Cities - Imperial Palace - Seat of Parliament - Prime Minister's Residence | Vienna and Budapest The Hofburg (Vienna) Præsidium Imperiale (Budapest) Palais Coburg (Vienna) |
| Government - Form - Type | Constitutional Monarchy Parliamentary Democracy Devolved and Evolved Federal State |
| Legislature - Upper House - Kingdoms House - Crownlands House - Chief Officer | Tricameral parliament Imperial Senate House of Deputies House of Delgates Imperial Chancellor |
| Head of State | Her Imperial & Apostolic Majesty Empress Maria Theresa II |
| Head of Government | Her Excellency Anna Kai-Chung, Imperial Prime Minister |
| Imperial Formation - House of Habsburg Founding - Subjugation of Austria - Union with Holy Roman Empire - Union with Bohemia & Silesia - Union with Hungary & Croatia - Union with Transylvania | 12 June 1920 (Current Union) 985 1282 1438 1526 1526 1690 |
| Constitutional Tradition - Imperial Constitutional Law Compilations (Current) - Ausgleich - February Patent - October Diploma - Pragmatic Sanctions - The Diet of Augsburg | Treaty of Belgrade (1917), Treaty of Bucharest (1918), Budapest Conventions and Vienna Protocols (1918-1919). 29 May 1867 12 February 1861 20 October 1860 1713 and 1714 1500 |
| Legal Tradition | Mix of common and civil law |
| Languages - Official - National | Imperial Latin German (37%), Croatian (10%), Hungarian (9%), Greek (5%), and 15 others |
| National Flower - English | Potentilla crantzii Alpine cinquefoil |
| National Tree - English | Pinus sylvestris huisensis Huise pine |
| Area - Total - % Water | 862,863 km² 28.1% water |
| Population - Static (2009) - Virtual (1 Jan 2010) | 270,000,000 429,000,000 |
| Economy | Good Sunset NSDossier NSTrackerNS |
| GDP (USD, 2007) - Total - Per capita | $350,569,765,527,311.00 $43,821.22 |
| Unemployment - Official - Actual | 2.55% 5.5% |
| Gini | 23.1 (low) |
| CHDI (May 2006) | 0.990 (very high) (1st) |
| PDAS rating (July 2007) | A |
| Currency - Units - Code | Mil-reis (Σµ) Σµ1 = 1,000 reis Σµ1 = ƒ10 = s20 = 1,000 reis IHM (General Issues) |
| Time Zone at Vienna | CET UCT +1 |
| International Abbreviations - ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 - ISO 3166-1 alpha-3 - ISO 3166-1 numeric | IH IIH 98 |
| Maritime Craft - Naval - Auxiliary - Civilian | CSM (Classis Suæ Majestatis) ASM (Auxillia Suæ Majestatis) NSM (Navis Suæ Majestatis) |
| Internet TLD | .ih and national domains |
| Calling Code | +43, +3-digit area code |
The Holy Empire of the Habsburg Union is a NationStates virtual sovereignty founded in the West Pacific Region in 2009. It is an alternative history version of a multi-national empire in Central Europe. In theory it is a constitutional monarchy with a complex system of government modeled in many ways after the Austro-Hungarian Empire's concept of "Dualism" with respect to central government authority and local self-determination principles. Most of the concepts used in the virtual adminstation of the empire are derived from several sources as noted throughout the below articles. The empire also has a unique definition of citizenship that takes into consideration Imperial Citizenship and Royal Denizenship.
The politics, history, and current state of affairs of this virtual sovereignty reflect an alternative view of how the historical Habsburg Empire of Central Europe would have evolved had it avoided collapse and discection after the end of the First World War. Elements of different historical entities under the rule of the ancient House of Habsburg (such as the Holy Roman Empire, the Spanish Empire, the Austrian Empire, and the Dual Monarchy) in addition to proposed alternative views of the early 1900s (such as the United States of Greater Austria) are utilized in one form or another to create the modern, virtual version of the Habsburg Union.
Historical information regarding the Habsburg Union before the latter half of 1917 can be accessed and reviewed under Austria-Hungary, Austrian Empire, and Holy Roman Empire entries in Wikipedia. The an abbreviated history of the virtual Empire below chronicles alternative events from 1917 to the present time.
Contents |
[edit] History
- Main article: Alternative History of the Habsburg Union
As mentioned above, historical information regarding the Habsburg Union before the latter half of 1917 can be accessed and reviewed under Austria-Hungary, Austrian Empire, and Holy Roman Empire entries in Wikipedia. An abbreviated history of the virtual Empire contained in the main article referenced above chronicles alternative events from 1917 to the formation of the Habsburg Union on NationStates in 2009.
The alternative history of the Habsburg Union between 1917 and the first decade of the 21st century is divided into the periods listed below, beginning with an overview of the Franz-Josefian Era The Franz-Josefian Era is a segment of history where events in the actual Habsburg Empire converges with the alternative history of the virtual Habsburg Union. It covers the 154-year period of history from the ascension of Franz-Josef I in 1848 until the ascension of the virtual Habsburg Union's current sovereign Maria Theresa II in 2001.
[edit] Historical Periods of the Franz-Josefian Era (1848-2001)
[edit] Age of Franz Josef I - 1848-1916 (Real World)
- Main article: wikipedia: Austria-Hungary
- Revolution and Absolutism (1848-1859)
- Constitutional Reforms (1860-1867)
- The Dual Monarchy (1867-1914)
- The First World War (1914-1917)
[edit] Transitionary Years - 1916-1919 (Real World & Alternative/Virtual)
- Ascension of Charles VIII (1916-1918)
- Disinigration of the Dual Monarchy (1917-1918)
- Withdrawal and Reorganization (1917-1918)
- Regency and Constitutional Conventions (1918-1919)
[edit] Age of Franz Josef II - 1920-2001 (Alternative/Virtual)
- Reconstruction and Expansion (1920-1929)
- The Great Depression(1930-1934)
- Fascism and Separatism (1935-1940)
- Second World War (1940-1945)
- Post-War Expansion (1945-1970)
- Final Decades of the Second Millennium (1970-2001)
[edit] Historical Periods of the Current Virtual Era (2001- )
- Main article: Alternative History of the Habsburg Union
[edit] Location
The Habsburg Union is located on several continents. It is the world's last true empire because of its presence on nearly every continent. The original areas of Habsburg Empire domination is central and eastern europe. The contiguous area of this part of the Habsburg Empire is often times referred to as "The Dominions." Locations of the Habsburg Empire's presence are outlined below.
[edit] Europe and Asia Minor
[edit] Africa
[edit] Asia
[edit] North America
[edit] Culture and Demographics
The Habsburg Union is a multi-national, multi-cultural society. German culture and language were the dominating forces during most of the Empire's existence, many times to the detriment of other non-German cultures and languages. With the reimergence of the Habsburg Union after WWI and due to autonomy status of its constituent kingdoms and crownlands, other cultures and languages experienced a renaissance. In some cases, certain areas of the Empire have become culture centers for a number of cultures that lack a specific homeland (or are subjugated by an oppressive regime or foreign power). To further encourge the development of local cultures and language, Latin has replaced the German language as the official language of government, commerce, and the military. Below is a table listing the peoples and cultures of the Habsburg Union:
[edit] Religion
The Habsburg Union is home to several religious groups. The main religions of the Empire are officially recognized as Established Faiths, which currently include Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Lutheranism (since the 1700s), Islam (since 1908), Judaism (since 1942), and Buddism (since 1965). Religious freedom is guaranteed by Constitutional Law. Roman Catholics make up 64% of the total population followed by Orthodoxy (9%), Islam (8%), Judaism (6%), Protestantism (5%), Buddism (4%), and other faiths (including Atheism) with 4%. In more conservative kingdoms, the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church assume a secular role in education and certain welfare programs. Two of the Muslim kingdoms (Bosnia and Al-Hassa) also give local Islamic authorities charge over the same kinds of programs.
[edit] Governance and Imperial Constituenties
The Habsburg Union is a federal, parlamentary constitutional monarchy in theory. Its constituent entities are semi-independent kingdoms and semi-autonomous crownlands. The kingdoms are collectively and officially referred to as the United Kingdoms of the Habsburg Empire. The crownlands are collectively and officially known as the Imperial Crownlands of Habsburg-Lorraine. Together, both parts of the Empire form the Habsburg Union, which is also known as the Union of the Habsburg Empires or the Imperial Habsburg Union.
Each kingdom has its own autonomous "national" government (a concept influenced by the Autonomous Communities of the Spanish Kingdom) and crownlands with limited autonomy that are more directly administered by the Crownlands Government. The administrative divisions in the Empire are the modern-day implementation of Cisleithania and Transleithania governering policies and practices that existed in the Dual Monarchy between 1867 and 1918.
- Main article: Habsburg Union: Branches of the Imperial Government
There are four branches of the Imperial Government: the Crown, the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judicial. Of the four branches of government, the Crown is the only one that transcends the other three branches maintaining a presence in each one (influenced by constitutional precedence in the UK). The other three branches are independent of one another and institute a practice of checks and balances among them (influenced by the US Constitution).
The sovereign retains a large number of perogative or reserve powers, which are many times delegated to the executive branch of the Imperial Government. The legislative branch is composed of a three-house parlament. The two lower houses, the House of Deputies (representing the denizens of the kingdoms) and the House of Delegates (representing denizens of the Imperial Crownlands) are elected directly for four-year terms. The upper house, the Imperial Senate, is a body that is composed of elected representitives and appointed representitives. Senators are elected or appointed for six-year terms. Term limits apply in all three houses in varying degrees depending on the House and mode of selection/election.
[edit] Kingdoms
- Main article: United Kingdoms of the Habsburg Empire
Each kingdom has direct control over most affairs not specifically assigned to the Crown or Imperial Government, much like the Autonomous Communities of Spain and more autonomous than states in the US. Each kingdom operates in accordance with historical and cultural tradition in their respective regions. Each one recognizes the Imperial Sovereign as head of state. The Crown is represented by a viceroy, who is charged with exercising the powers of his office with respect to the Crown's interests. The branches of royal governments are modeled after the Imperial Government with the notable exception of parlamentary politics. A governor-general, who is the kingdom's head of government, is elected directly (regardless of the political make-up of the royal assemblies) by popular vote and confirmed by the Crown. Each kingdom is divided into parishes or governorates. All acts of legislation require Imperial Assent, just as with imperial legislation. Kingdoms have limited authority to enter into treaties with other countries just so long as such arrangements do not affect the Imperial Government or other constituents of the empire. Kingdoms also have more direct control over monetary and fiscal policies, unlike sub-national political entities of most other nations.
[edit] Crownlands
- Main article: Imperial Crownlands of Habsburg-Lorraine
Crownlands are composed of ethnic (or mixed ethnic) groups who have chosen not to be part of a neighboring or surrounding kingdom. Most of these political entities have a long, historical tradition of autonomy that in many cases extends as far back as the feudal period of the middle ages and during the existence of the Holy Roman Empire. These areas can also have other traditional links to the Crown as hereditary fifes or personal estates of the sovereign. These crownlands exercise limited autonomy and govern themselves in conjunction with larger political and viceregal governing boards known as Circles. They also are more centrally administered than the kingdoms. Crownlands are designated (through tradition, connection to the Crown, or historical precedence) as counties, marches, duchies, grand duchies, and archduchies. There are also several ecclesiatic feudal estates designated as bishopics, archbishopics, and provostries.
Ecclesiastic crownlands retain their traditional status because of their autonomous existence in the Holy Roman Empire. The crown is represented by a [[Nobilis Regnans]] or ruling noble (i.e., the duke of a duchy or marquis of a march) or by a palatine. A palatine is a non-hereditary position that is assigned to those crownlands where the Crown is the title holder for that entity (such as the Princely Count of Tyrol, the Duke of Istria, etc.) or where there is no hereditary family history in the region. A ruling noble represents Imperial Authority in lands where the noble, his family, or ancestors ruled that land and retained some form of autonomy in the empire. A ruling noble also possesses more independence when using reserve powers in the name of the Crown than a palatine. Each crownland directly elects a Crown Assembly and a governor as its legislature and head of government.
More detailed information on the Habsburg Union's Government can be found on the following links: Imperial Crown of the Habsburg Union, Habsburg Union: Branches of the Imperial Government, Habsburg Union: Audientiæ and Circles, Levels of Government in the Habsburg Union, and Habsburg Union: Crown Estates.
[edit] Banking and Finance
- Main article: Habsburg Union: Banking and Finance
The Habsburg Union's banking system is a hybrid form of the free banking practices prevalent in the US during the mid-19th to early 20th centuries and those of modern central banking. Because of the constitutional provisions regarding royal autonomy, each kingdom has a central bank that is now monitored and linked to the Imperial Reserve Bank System. Each central bank and a number of "chartered" banks are members of the Imperial Reserve. Until recently kingdoms had the option of joining the Habsburg monetary union, utilizing the Mil-reis, or issuing its own currency. Because of the introduction of the Euro, the Empire was forced to dismantle the kingdoms' national currency options and legislate the universal use of the Mil-reis by all entities of the Habsburg Union.
[edit] Currency
The currency system in place currently is the Milliarensis System, which was evolved from the Imperial Florin. The Imperial Florin was based on (and pegged to) the British pound during the Empire's reconstruction after WWI. The Mil-reis was introduced as a result of the government's decision to remove the currency's connection to the pound during the Second World War after realizing that the pound was highly over-valued and would suffer devaluation after the war. The wartime suspension of the Gold Standard was another reason for readjusting and renaming the currency unit. The Mil-reis includes the Florin System as its subsidiary units to better facilitate the changeover from the florin system to the mil reis. Coinage today is still struck using the Florin System as an indicator of currency stability and tradition. The currency symbol used is Σµ. The symbol contains the two letters for the words Systemas Milliarensis in Greek, remeniscent of the passage of the Uniform Currency Act in Constantinople. Many NationStates data bases still express currency values in florins and not Mil-reis. This may be due to the fact that the stock markets through out the Empire use the florin and the shilling (still considered subsidiary units of the Mil-reis) to quote stock prices.
[edit] Species Standard
The Habsburg Union also uses a hybrid form of the Gold Standard as a central part of the Empire's monetary practices. Due to the international and currency trading implications of a gold or species standard with currency valuations, the Imperial Reserve and the Imperial Government use a combination of species value, financial and market indicators, and econmic activities to establish the value of the Mil-reis. Officially, the Empire uses a standardized alloy (known as Byzantine Electum) as its species standard. Byzantine Electrum contains 40% gold, 58% silver, and 2% copper, which is based on a variation of the naturally occuring alloy in the region of Thrace when it served as a medium of exchange during Roman times. The Empire is able to sustain this hybrid species standard because of the enormity of its gold, silver, and platinum reserves held by the Imperial Treasury, the Imperial Reserve System, the Bank of Habsburg, the Crown, individual kingdoms, and private banks. The most current calculations set the rate of exchange at Σµ1 = $6.40 USD. The Habsburg Union is also one of a handful of nations that still issues higher-denomination coinage for general circulation that contains silver. This is a feature of the conservative nature of the Empire's bankers and populace who consider this as a preventative measure against inflation and devaluation. To prevent hoarding, the silver content of these coins is a percentage of the coin's face value. The Imperial Mint produces full-content silver coins in small quantities and releases them randomly into circulation alongside clad silver coinage.
[edit] Monetary Policy
As a matter of policy, the Habsburg Union does not monetize its debt as most nations do through their central banking system. The Imperial Reserve Bank System and chartered banks issue a majority of currency in the Empire. The Imperial Reserve is funded and backed by a combination of banking deposits, financial instruments, and One- to Five-Year Imperial Gold Notes. To avoid lapses in capital availability that can be a side effect of a species standard, the Bank of Habsburg (the principle banking agent of the Imperial Government) will underwrite Imperial Debt and Bonds that can be converted to Imperial Treasury Certificates issued by the Imperial Treasury for circulation as legal tender. The Crown--in right of the Crownlands--also issues auxillary currency certificates in the form of Imperial Treasury Warrants and Imperial Gold and Silver Warrants. This practice is more symbolic than functional. Because the Empire is a member of the IMF, it is prohibited from issuing species certificates or officially maintaining a species standard as a direct tie to currency value. To circumvent that prohibition, the Crown issues them instead of the Imperial Government. This type of currency issue serves as a public display of currency value maintenance, especially since they are redeemable for species at Imperial Depositories. Although the Crown is head of state, it is a sovereign entity with rights to execute transactions like those of a sovereign state. Since the Crown is not a member of the IMF, it is able to maintain a species standard.
[edit] Economy
The current make-up of the Habsburg Union's economy is a consolidation of several economic booms after WWII and the acquisition of territories and entities that formerly existed outside the Empire. The development of its vast natural resources in the second half of the 20th century also propelled the Empire into a very strong global economic position. Monetary and fiscal policies also played a significant role in the expansion and strengthening of the economy. The Habsburg Union is a combination service-industrial economy. As the economy expands, both of these major super-segments expand with it, unlike with other developed nations that tend to experience expansion in the service segment at the expense of the industrial segment.
Automobile and heavy equipment manufacturing remain a strong part of economic performance in addition to mining and petrochemicals. Banking, insurance, and financial services are also strong performing segments that make up a large part of the Empire's foreign revenues. The Empire's (and the Crown's) close relationships with Swiss bankers over the last fifty years have also contributed to the strong positioning of the Empire on a global level. Agriculture is another constantly growing segment that also contributes to the Empire's trade surplus. Techology industries continue to grow and expand contributing more and more to the Empire's GDP. The Empire is a net exporter of products and enjoys a healthy trade surplus due to the volume of its exports and its self-sufficiency. Efforts have been made to increase imports to help offset some of the trade surpluses that can affect foreign exchange rates that may lessen the volume of Habsburg exports to less developed nations because of a more valuable currency.
The current unemployment rate is the direct result of the global economic situation. To mitigate the current unemployment problem, the Imperial Government has issued a number of public works bonds and released proceeds from special sinking funds that were set up during years of surplus tax receipts to initiate a number of public building projects that will provide additional jobs. The Imperial Government--although criticized in the past for higher tax rates and protectionism--has been very successful in battling unemployment and dry capital markets because of proper planning during the boom years of growth and expansion.
