Connecticut

Weeping as the ceremony came to a close, His Imperial Majesty gave the following remarks: "For all my life I have fought for the freedom of my compatriots in Litchfield County and until recently, I never knew that day of freedom, that ray of shining hope, would come. I thank all my fellow citizens for the great trust they put in me by elevating me to this position and I look forward to leading this new Empire towards prosperous days ahead."

Emperor Trumbull I, formerly Robert Smith, came to power through a series of mass demonstrations and general strikes by the working class of Litchfield County, demanding fairer wages and free education for all people. Robert Smith, a member of the working class himself, came to lead this movement, helping his compatriots organize these great events. The Governor of Connecticut at the time, Bob Stefanowski, was incredibly resistant to the workers' calls for greater rights. As the general strikes and mass protests continued for longer and longer, the Governor got weary of the toll it was having on the economy of the state as a whole. Finally, in order to relieve the pressure, he jokingly suggested that the County secede. The County saw it as no joke though and gradually began to embrace the idea of secession. Finally, armed rebellion broke out, with local government buildings being attacked and taken over and the State National Guard refusing to step in. Federal Troops were called in, but every time they took back buildings or pushed rebels aside, the rebels would retake the buildings. If they arrested rebels, it had no effect, since more rebels would step up and take their place. Eventually, weary of fighting, the federal government withdrew all troops. Seizing this opportunity, local rebels coalesced around Mr. Smith and created their own government.

The federal and state governments have refused to recognize the legitimacy of the Empire of Litchfield County as of yet, but increasingly, neighboring towns and counties are, unofficially, accepting envoys from the Empire. Trade has also resumed, though Litchfield County has imposed tariffs on numerous items. Border checkpoints have also been created, though when crimes are occasionally reported in the County to state police, the state police do not heed these checkpoints and often find a way to break through. For practical reasons, the de facto government allows ambulances through without having to stop at the checkpoints.

Though receiving actual legitimacy as a government still seems a long way off, it seems for now that surrounding governments are either not able or not willing to actually try to retake the County. In the meantime, the Empire is operating much like towns in Connecticut do, just with one government for the whole county. Existing town budgets have been rolled over for use in the new year and schools, hospitals, public health authorities, and the like are operating as usual. Towns have, notably, not received any funds as of yet from the State government, probably since state officials have not been allowed in and internet access in most of the County remains terminated. In addition, it has been reported that town bank accounts have been frozen, so transferring funds would be impossible regardless. The County has managed by collecting tax revenue directly, in the form of cash and is said to be intent on launching a local cryptocurrency.

The Empire has a bright future ahead of it - if and only if, it can keep its sovereignty.