Nation Name: Birmingham Trade League
Capital: Birmingham
Flag: A green background with a red Union Jack.
Government: A republic much like OTL Britain, with a lower and upper house of Parliament, a Prime Minister, etc. However, a monarch is not included, and the House of Lords, appointed traditionally from the wealthy, has far more power than usual.
History: I don't know the history, exactly. If someone could help, that'd be awesome.
Social and Economic Policies: Based around trade, Birmingham has been one of the primary naval and economic powers of the world. Controlling much of the world's seas through colonial power and strategic alliances, the Trade League deals I'm just about everything. The rich are the primary power in the nation, and taxes are rarely raised, except in dire straits. The poor, naturally, are unhappy with the situation, but mostly kept in place by 'tradition'. Brutal colonial practices do little to help affairs abroad, but moderates have been making reforms, searching for equality in a fundamentally unequal and capitalist society. Communists are rallying the masses, but any mass demonstrations are crushed by the army. However, little can be done to remove the traction it is quickly gaining, and the deterrents put in place by the House of Lords are failing fast. Concessions of any kind are opposed by the conservative majority, and very few bills of any kind have made it past the Parliament in recent years, the Trade League is an outdated society failing miserably to keep up with the changing times, and an alteration on a basic level is needed to keep the country afloat.
Internal Politics: The Upper House, controlled by the wealthy merchants bloated by colonial wealth, is the overwhelming power on the political battlefield. The House of Commons has little impact on bills passed, having naught but the power to delay their appearance before the Lords, and a few others. The Lords themselves are mostly unified, save a few reformers, appointed through their extensive connections. This minority, though, is vocal, and growing more outspoken by the day. Some call for racial equality, others for increased economic mobility. These groups are gaining converts, but not quickly enough. However, things could change. All it takes is an economic collapse or a disastrous war, and the tables could turn on the conservatives. Moreover, the word on the streets is communism, fueled by new thinkers in political science. Championing equality for all and the power of the proletariat, its proponents have quickly found willing audiences in the oppressed workers. Strikes have been organized, but their quick forced dissolution by the army has kept them from spreading. No armed rebellion, or even a riot, has occurred, but it seems only a matter of time. For now, though, the rich maintain power as the poor suffer under their boots. How long this can continue, though, is up in the air. Only time shall tell.
Traits: A powerhouse built on trade, they maintain a massive navy and an extensive colonial network to further their interests. The nation is an old hand at commerce, and for most merchants, it runs in the family.