Lauchenoirian unification
Lauchenoirian unification refers to the formal creation of the state of Lauchenoiria as a union state comprised of seven precursor nations: South Fleura, Melissa, Yervia, Ulinaria, Ecanta, Costeno and Aeluria. While the first six of these chose to join peacefully, the seventh was forcibly incorporated following the Third War of Aelurian Independence, which lasted from December 1921 until February 1922. The country was formally incorporated on the 3rd May 1922.
Historical basis
A number of the former nations that formed the Lauchenoirian state shared a common history as colonies of the Valahandian Empire. However, Costeno was never colonised by the Valahandians. A basis for unification based on history must look back before the Valahandian conquest of 1417, back into antiquity. Historically, most of the nations that now form Lauchenoiria were Spanish-speaking, along with Iustos. It is theorised that ancient trade routes existed between what is now Lauchenoiria and Iustos, prior to the splintering of the region into nation-states as opposed to disparate cities. It is believed that these cities would form defensive alliances in the area, and this may be the strongest historical basis for the existence of a single unified Lauchenoirian state.
It is believed, however, that the primary motivation for unification was not history, but economics. After the fall of the Costenan Empire and the Fleuran split, the republican nations of the Lauchenoirian area were struggling, and had common fears about invasions from neighbouring monarchies.
Negotiations
Discussion of unification was first proposed by the authorities of South Fleura to the leaders of Yervia, Ecanta and Costeno. The initial proposal of unification was suggested due to the threat from monarchies and monarchist groups to the republican states in the area. After it transpired that Melissa did not wish to re-unify with Zongongia, they were invited to join discussions alongside Ulinaria; a Valahandian colony that was historically part of Yervia before the Valahandian invasion. Aeluria was invited to join negotiations, but repeatedly refused.
By 1922, the six states involved in negotiations had agreed a framework to create the Federation of Lauchenoiria and had agreed to sign a new constitution unifying the country. However, the fledgling Lauchenoirian state also wished to incorporate Aeluria as well as settle the previously-uninhabited Butterfly Island. The refusal of the Aelurians to enter negotiations led to the decision to attack and take Aeluria by force.
Third War of Aelurian Independence
After Aeluria refused to join Lauchenoiria willingly, the fledgling state invaded the island. The Aelurian leader, Leimomi Anand refused to surrender and sign a treaty of unification; however when she was killed, her daughter Iekika Anand agreed to sign the treaty in order to prevent further harm to her people. The Lauchenoirian authorities then went back on their agreement with her, and imprisoned her for fifteen years.
Settlement of Butterfly Island
In 1924, the new Lauchenoirian state encouraged people to move to and settle the previously-uninhabited Butterfly Island to the north of Aeluria. The island had no permanent human population, however the new Lauchenoirian government wished to exploit possible resources on the island, therefore they created the city of Seahaven. After ten years, the island was sufficiently populated to warrant becoming Lauchenoiria's eighth province; whereas previously it was considered part of Ulinaria. With Butterfly Island becoming a province, Lauchenoiria as we know it today was completed.