Mars

Early Colonization Efforts

The earliest attempts to colonize Mars can be traced back to the pre-Imperial age. This period of exploration saw the launch of several successful small-scale satellite missions that aimed to gather data about Mars’ surface, atmospheric conditions, and suitable locations for eventual permanent settlements. These endeavours eventually paved the way for the first manned missions to the planet. Despite the groundbreaking nature of these early manned missions, they did not immediately result in the establishment of a permanent settlement on the planet. However, the experience and knowledge gained from these early ventures laid the foundations for more ambitious projects to come. It was only after several dozen missions that the first long-term colonization scheme was proposed, offering a vision of humanity’s future on the Martian surface.

However, despite much enthusiasm from the various space agencies and commercial interests at the time, this inaugural attempt at long-term colonization was beleaguered by a succession of technical and logistical complications. These impediments ultimately culminated in the catastrophic demise of the pioneering colonists who had embarked upon the historic mission. Consequently, the once-promising project experienced a considerable loss of momentum, engendering quite a bit of skepticism about further efforts. This in combination with the emerging political conflicts at the time ended any further large scale efforts to colonize the planet for the rest of the century.

Imperial Expansion

The next significant attempt at Martian colonization transpired in the era of Imperial expansion. With the establishment of the Imperial Dynasty on Earth and the ushering in of a new Golden Age, the young, energetic, and optimistic emperors of the First Dynasty set out to renew the attempts that were made to colonize Mars by the old nation-states of Earth. This ambitious endeavour was spearheaded by the newly constituted Imperial Space Agency, which aimed to leverage humanity’s previous experiences in order to facilitate a successful and enduring Martian settlement.

Colonization proceeded in distinct waves, with the initial stage involving the establishment of orbital colonies in low geosynchronous orbit around the planet, and then later at the planet’s Lagrange Points. This approach mirrored the strategies of modular artificial orbital habitats employed on Earth a century earlier, when similar colonies had been founded to facilitate the expansion of human presence into space. These orbital colonies served as crucial staging grounds for subsequent colonization efforts on the Martian surface.

The second wave of colonization consisted of those who ventured to the Martian surface, embarking on the long-term project of establishing permanent settlements on the planet and eventually terraforming it. These pioneers successfully laid the groundwork for a sustainable human presence on Mars, commercial interests soon followed suit. The integration of commercial entities bolstered Mars’ status as a leading centre of technological development and scientific research, ultimately cementing the Mar’s importance within the greater Terran Empire.

Rise of Industry

The first large commercial projects that took hold on Mars can be classified into two distinct groups. In the orbital habitats, high-tech industries began to thrive, with a focus on advanced research and development, experimental medical and genetic research, as well as manufacturing. A particular emphasis was placed on the production of interplanetary ships, which facilitated greater connectivity between the Mars and Earth. This split would be the foundation of the two distinct economic and political cultures of Mars in later centuries.

In contrast, the surface industries on Mars primarily concentrated on resource extraction. These operations targeted the mining of valuable resources such as ice, iron, copper, and titanium, along with materials suitable for nuclear fusion. Consequently, the Martian surface became a hub for resource extraction and processing, catering to both local and interplanetary demands.

A symbiotic relationship developed between the orbital colonies and surface settlers, as the two cohorts became increasingly interdependent. The surface supplied the raw materials necessary for the heavy manufacturing and research activities conducted within the orbital colonies. This mutually beneficial dynamic contributed to the growth and prosperity of both population groups.

The expansion of Martian industries, funded and directed by Earth-based corporations in close collaboration with the Imperial government, resulted in a growing class divide between the industiralists and the working class colonists. This close partnership between private enterprise and the Empire played a pivotal role in the following decades as a native Martian identity began to form.

Political Maturation

As the Martian population sought recognition and representation within the broader Imperial framework, this increasing desire for self-governance culminated in two decades of unrest, and small scale conflict between local partisans and Imperial Home Guard. In response to these mounting tensions and sporadic outbursts of violence, Mars was eventually granted nation status under the Imperial Constitution. This significant development not only acknowledged the unique identity and needs of the Martian populace but also conferred upon them the right to elect representatives to the World Council.

Age of Prosperity

The period following Mars’ accession to nationhood marked the zenith in the planet’s development. During this era, various facets of Martian society experienced exponential growth and progress. Industry soared, technological advancements emerged at an unprecedented pace, and art and culture flourished, reflecting the dynamic nature of the burgeoning Martian society.

Prior to this transformative phase, Mars had been a net importer of goods and services from Earth and the rest of the Empire, despite the significant economic output generated by its denizens. However, as the Martian economy began to mature and expand, this dynamic experienced a notable shift. The economic output of Mars started to outpace that of Earth, signifying the emergence of Mars as a major player in the interplanetary economic landscape.

Mars During the Succession War

During Succession War on Earth precipitated by the death of the Emperor Theodore-Wilhelm IV, Mars found itself in a precarious position. The Imperial Martian Home Guard—whom had been formally established by the Imperial Colonial Administration Act—along with various other elements of the Imperial Armed Forces were slowly redeployed to sectors closer to Earth and eventually withdrawn altogether, leaving the colonies with only its meagre local police force to maintain order. In the absence of the Imperial forces, various armed factions began to emerge and sporadic outburst of violence became more common place within Martian society for the first time since the political struggles for self-rule more than century earlier. This period became known as the Anarchy.

The decades that followed the withdrawal of Imperial forces were marked by turmoil and instability. The newly formed Federal Union of Mars, from the remnants of the disparate colonial governments managed to restore some semblance of order and normalcy. Following the treaty, Martian independence was declared, marking a significant turning point in the planet’s history.

The Long Siege

The declaration with independence was not met with any immediate response from Earth. It wasn’t until 20 years later, after the resolution of the Succession Crisis, forces from Earth returned to Mars and encountered a self-sufficient society that had evolved and established an independent culture and political system. During their isolation, the Martian inhabitants had established their own armed forces, reflecting their capacity for self-defense and autonomy.

Upon arriving on Mars, the Alliances forces demanded compliance from the Martian population, expecting them to submit to their authority. However, the Martians chose to assert their independence and refused to stand down. This defiance resulted in an eight month long standoff between the two factions.

Despite the tense atmosphere of those months and the persistent small scale raids, a decisive battle never occurred. Ultimately, the standoff was resolved through diplomatic negotiations, culminating in the signing of a treaty of understanding between Mars and the Alliance. This historic agreement marked a turning point in the relationship between the two entities, as Mars was now officially recognized as a fully independent state.

Retreat into Isolationism

After achieving independence from Earth, the Martians took the initiative to establish regular trade relations with their former Imperial masters. These trade connections aimed to promote economic growth and facilitate the exchange of goods and resources between the two worlds, a process that was much needed for both the Earth Alliance and Mars. However, despite the normalization of relations, a growing divide became increasingly evident, signifying that Earth and Mars had diverged significantly from one another over the last half-century.

This widening rift between Earth and Mars was marked by a distinct trend of isolationism emerging on the Martian side. The Martians, keen on preserving their newfound autonomy and cultural identity, began to prioritize their internal affairs over extensive engagement with Earth. This shift towards isolationism reflected a desire to safeguard Martian interests and unique culture.

The drift towards isolationism gradually emerged as a defining characteristic of the Martian identity, intricately tied to the mythical perception of the arid Martian frontier. This deep connection with the rugged Martian terrain further reinforced the Martians’ inclination to withdraw from extensive interaction with Earth. As a result, this sense of isolationism began permeating Martian society, creating distinct divisions within their own ranks.

Martian society experienced a notable fragmentation, primarily between two groups: those residing in the orbital colonies, known as the Technocrats, engaged in trade and interaction with Earth, and the surface-dwelling faction known as the Planters. The orbital colonists, driven by practical considerations and economic opportunities, maintained close ties with Earth, embracing a more cosmopolitan outlook. Conversely, the Planters, anchored to the Martian surface, nurtured a fervent commitment to self-sufficiency and a desire to preserve their unique Martian heritage.