Convention of Grijzestad

The Convention of Grijzestad was a meeting of the Founding fathers in 1427. They met from 19 May to 9 June in Grijzestad, where they declared their independence from Venice. The convention made Marten Sneijder leader of the country and established the now-defunct Grijzestad Constitution.

Convention members[]

Main article: Founding father

The convention included many prominent bankers, military leaders and politicians. Most of they were Dutch or German, though there were a few Barzuna members.

Background[]

Dutch Brunanters long wanted their independence from Venice and following the massacre of Zatram, the War of Independence broke out. The Brunanters used this event as an excuse for declaring war on the Venetians. Shortly after, a few of the Grijzestader Founding fathers decided to meet at the city's market hall to lay out plans for the war and their independence. Messengers were sent out to Niesburg, Brunantstad, Donderstad and Sint-Anders to notify the town leaders and prominent men to meet at Grijzestad.

The meeting[]

Between 19 May and 9 June 1427, men came to Grijzestad from all over the Brunanter islands, where the convention was to meet. Mateus Brasefort sent two delegates to speak up for the Barzuna.

Declaring independence[]

The convention was unanimous in its call for independence. By 24 June, a draft declaration had been approved and was being signed as delegates arrived. Very little was debated on this; the declaration was rather neutrally worded as to not alienate support.

Government[]

The formation of the government was an issue dividing the convention; most agreed on keeping the convention as a lawmaking body, but they could not agree on what sort of government to have. Some supported having a king and a monarchy, as most European states had. Another group called for a republican government. As it appeared that the republican side would win the vote, work began with writing a constitution. The votes were collected over time and on 7 or 8 July, 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.

Constitution[]

The Declaration of Independence had been proclaimed, but the constitution was still not in place. The delegates argued over every detail and this slowed the writing process. With the progression of the war, many delegates left Grijzestad to the areas in conflict and would not return. Finally, an agreeable constitution was decided on and signed by the 24 remaining delegates on 25 June 1427.