War of Independence

The War of Independence was an 18-month long conflict that took place in Brunant between 1427 and 1428. It resulted in the Declaration of Independence and the independence of Brunant.

Historical
The majority of the territory comprising modern-day Brunant was officially under the control of the Venetian Republic in the early 15th century. In actuality they only held control of northern Central Island. In the 1410s many Dutch and Germans began to arrive in the islands. They brought a more liberal northern way of thought and did not like being under the control of Venetians; they especially resented the imposition of Brunanter norms and customs. They founded settlements like Brunantstad and Grijzestad, which were largely isolated from Venetian influence and control, but the authorities took many attempts in bringing these towns under their control. Many of these Dutchmen were under the employment of the Venetian authorities (such as Laurens van der Holdt), but by the late 1410s were growing discontent with their rulers and became influential in spreading thoughts of independence among the Barzuna and Spaniards.

Revolts
One of the earliest armed revolts against the Venetians began around 1414-15. Mateus Brasefort, a Barzuna soldier, took up the fight against the Venetians when they attempted to destroy the mosque at Niesburg; for the next 10 years he would fight the Venetians to defend his town and his liberty. Brasefort was largely successful at keeping the Venetians at bay from Niesburg. But, many of his supporters were arrested, tortured and killed.

The Dutch were initially unwilling to take up arms, due to low numbers and fear of reprisals (as had been done to many of Brasefort's men). By the early 1420s there were many more Dutch, and some had the means and money to finance an armed force. In 1423 the city of Grijzestad openly detained Venetians and soon there were many bands of soldiers using guerrilla tactics to disrupt Venetian control over the cities and countryside.

Massacre of Zatram
The War of Independence was triggered in Zatram. On May 16, 1427, the Venetians attempted to remove the Muslims of the town. The citizens resisted and took up arms, killing the messengers and the guards. The Venetians responded by sending 300 soldiers to rectify the situation. They burnt the town and killed every man in sight, as well as scores of unarmed women and children. News traveled fast and this infuriated the Dutch and the Barzuna. Very soon, they openly declared war on the Venetians with a document posted on the door of Brezonde Castle informing them.

Convention of Grijzestad
Between May 19 and June 9, prominent Dutch and Barzuna men met at Grijzestad (at the Grijzestad Market Hall) to declare the independence of Brunant. Over three weeks, the men came from all over the island to Grijzestad, where the convention was to meet. The convention was unanimous in its call for independence and by the 24th a draft declaration had been approved and was being signed as delegates arrived. The formation of the government was an issue dividing the convention; most agreed on keeping the convention as a lawmaking body, but some supported having a king, and others called for a republican government. Votes were collected over time and on July 7 or 8 the final vote was tallied at 28 in favor of a republic and 11 in favor of a monarchy. The following day, Marten Sneijder was unanimously elected president. A messenger was sent to gather the townspeople and at St. Jan's Place he proclaimed the independence of Brunant.

Siege of Niesburg
Niesburg was one of the first towns to revolt against Venetian rule. By the 20th of June their citizens were armed and organized by Brasefort and defenses were erected. On July 4, 1427 Venetian soldiers lay siege to the castle and it would last nearly two months. Using various siege weapons they smashed the castle to rubble and killed over 300 defenders. They laid fire to much of the city, completely destroying the mosque and burning down the local church. After the defeat Brasefort came into contact with the Dutch and formed an alliance with them.

Battle of Donderstad
After Niesburg, another Venetian force was sent to subdue Donderstad on July 17. Hieronymus van der Ecke organized a force to counter the Venetians. Around 750 Venetians met 540 Brunanters at a nearby field. Being overwhelmed, the Brunanters made a strategic retreat, which allowed Philippe de Bryas' "Cuirassiers de Bryas" to move in an decimate the exposed Venetians.

Battle of Sint-Markstad
Near present-day Carrington, or Sint-Markstad there was a small settlement of Barzuna and Muslim farmers. They were rather neutral in the war. In early August they refused lodgings to Venetian soldiers and this was perceived as a sign of them supporting the Brunanters. A few days later the Venetians returned in larger numbers and they burnt down the settlement; the few armed townsmen were no match for the professional soldiers.

First Battle of Carona
The First Battle of Carona was fought on the 24 and 25th of August by present-day Sint-Anders. The Venetians were able to land troops near the town and in two days had defeated the Brunanters. They had support by many Venetians living in the area and were thus able to deny supplies to the Brunanters. At this point they were very close to Grijzestad and, if taken, they could end the war almost instantly.

Turn of Events
The outbreak of the Wars in Lombardy was a major factor in the reduction of Venetian troops in Brunant as 1427 progressed. Many were sent back to Venice as they were required to fight against Milan.

Battle of Brunant
Between September 5 and 10, the Venetians learned that Brunanter leader Marten Sneijder was headed to Brunantstad to bring reinforcements back to Central Island. In order to stop this, they decided to besiege the town and intercept his forces so he could not link up with the defenders. Brunant was besieged starting on September 18, but Sneijder arrived much sooner than expected and on the nineteenth was in view of the town. The Venetian commander made the mistake of directly engaging Sneijder. The defenders moved up as well and soon the Venetians were encircled and many surrendered before they could be killed. While this was considered a great tactical victory, it would also prove to be beneficial as two cannons were captured as well.

Second Battle of Carona
Shortly after the victory in Brunant (on September 23) Brunanter troops launched a sudden attack on the Venetians at Carona. This sudden move overwhelmed the defenders and in one hour 250 soldiers were rounded up and 300 more had been killed.