Holy Britannian Empire

The Holy Britannian Empire is a government that features in Code Geass.

History

Britannian invasion of Japan.

The Holy Britannian Empire (Japanese: 神聖ブリタニア帝国, Hepburn: Shinsei Buritania Teikoku) or just Britannia was a nation that existed on the planet Earth.

It traced its cultural origins back to the military expedition of the British Isles by Julius Caesar, when he invaded Britain twice in 55 and 54 B.C., Alwin I meets with strong resistance from the local tribes, who became the founder of the imperial family. The election of the king and the repulsion of the Romans was the starting date of Ascension Throne Britannia thus creating the universal dating system.

During the reign of Elizabeth I, the queen remained unmarried, but bore a son, the father of whom was never publicly identified, though candidates were Sir Robert Dudly, the 1st Earl of Leicester, Sir Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, and Sir Carl, the Duke of Britannia. Each of these men would use this knowledge to garner influence and power in the country. Elizabeth I's son ascended to the throne as Henry IX upon the death of his mother in 1603. His ascension was said to mark the beginning of the Golden Age of the Tudor dynasty.

At the peak of the Age of Revolution, many of the old monarchies in Europe were overthrown but Henry X of Britannia retained an absolute monarchy. The greatest of these revolutions at the time was the French Revolution, which eventually produced the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte. It was Napoleon who orchestrated the greatest formative event which resulted in the creation of the Holy Britannian Empire. A decisive victory at the Battle of Trafalgar allowed Napoleon to invade the British Isles and occupy London. Napoleon's invasion of the British Isles advanced to the point that, in 1807, Queen Elizabeth III was forced to retreat to Edinburgh, where a local revolutionary group arrested her and forced her to abdicate the throne, ending the monarchy over the British Isles with this event coming to be known as the Humiliation of Edinburgh.

However, Sir Ricardo von Britannia, Duke of Britannia, and his friend and subordinate Sir Richard Hector, Knight of One, led a retreat with Elizabeth III and the remaining loyalists in the British Isles to the North American colonies, establishing a capital on the east coast. In 1813, Elizabeth III died childless, nominating Ricardo von Britannia as her successor on her deathbed. It was at this time that the "Ascension Throne Britannia" calendar was established in the American version. Though Napoleon successfully conquered the British Isles, his rule over Europe ran into popular discontent and culminated in his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1821. Napoleon died on his way back to France; it is rumored that he was poisoned by agents who were acting in accordance with Elizabeth III's will. With the departure of Napoleon and his imperial ambitions from history, a new Europe-spanning empire with democratic ideals arose, and would later become the modern Europia United. Over time, the EU would grow to encompass all of Europe, including the whole of Russia, and Africa, and would for centuries be the bitter enemy of Elizabeth III's followers in North America.

In time, a young boy by the name of Charles zi Britannia ascended to the throne and became the harsh ruler of the Holy Britannian Empire.

The Britannian Naval fleet surrounded the island from the North, East and south, and attacked the island from all positions simultaneously. Drop ship aircraft launched from carriers were used to deposit soldiers and RPI-11 Glasgows behind enemy lines, rendering much of the entrenched military useless. The new Glasgow frames proved themselves an easy match for the scattered soldiers and tanks alike, and the Britannian forces quickly pushed into the countryside. Japanese Forces only managed one success under Lieutenant Colonel Kyoshiro Tohdoh at Itsukushima, a victory that earned him the name Tohdoh of Miracles (奇跡 の 藤堂, Kiseki no Tohdoh). Surrender came not long after the majority of the Japanese forces had been annihilated.

By the time of the conquest of Japan, the empire controlled more than one third of the entire world. Among the only rivals of the empire were the E.U. and the Chinese Federation.

For Area 11, Third Prince Clovis la Britannia was assigned as the ruling Viceroy for Japan. During Clovis's regency, he launched a campaign in the Shinjuku District after Japanese resistance fighters stole a research project. In that time, a figure by the name of Zero emerged that managed to lead the rebels to victory with Clovis was killed during this time. In the aftermath, a new Viceroy was appointed in the form of Second Princess Cornelia li Britannia who was tasked with putting down the rebellion and eliminating Zero. Third Princess Euphemia li Britannia was also assigned to Area 11 to operate as Sub-Viceroy. The mysterious masked Zero established an effective resistance force known as the Black Knights.

With the Emperor defeated, Lelouch vi Britannia presided to the capital city where he claimed the throne despite objections from the Imperial Family. Despite their objections, he made use of his Geass power on them to force them to obey his commands and consolidated his control over the empire. Emperor Lelouch's actions included the destruction of the mausoleum that held the remains of previous emperors and also making Suzaku Kururugi his knight where he was designated the Knight of Zero. Among his other acts was disbanding the aristocracy and reshaping the Holy Britannian Empire though he faced much opposition with his actions. With Charles zi Britannia, Schneizel el Britannia along with those loyal to him were hidden in Cambodia by the Toromo Agency.

Overview

Government

The capital of the empire was the city of Pendragon that was the home of the Britannian Imperial Family. Leadership of Britannia resided in the hands of the Emperor and succession fell down a family tree of relatives in the Imperial Family. The children of the Emperor held the position of Princes and Princesses with a line of succession being in place. It operated as an Imperial Monarchy in which the Royal Family held almost all the power. While its policy varies depend on the reigning emperor, its succession was based on Social Darwinism, rather than divine mandate. As such, numerous bloodshed and in fighting occurred within the empire. While the Emperor himself does hold most power in theory, in practice he delegates regional control to his many children; even those that does not govern a particular region also have much considerable political and military power. Charles has stated that traditional ten-commandments type morality is counter-progressive and believes that only internal struggle and military conquest can facilitate human evolution. He does not even make exceptions for his own children, as he shows no sympathy for their deaths, only pride in that the those who cannot fend for themselves are being culled from the royal line.

Titles of Britannian nobility (outside the Imperial family) during Charles' era, listed in order of rank:

• Grand Duke (大公爵)
• Duke (公爵)
• Marquess (侯爵)
• Margrave (辺境伯)
• Earl (伯爵)
• Viscount (子爵)
• Baron (男爵)
• Knight(騎士) : non-hereditary.
• Knight of Honor (武勲侯) : non-hereditary.

A territory under the Empires rule was headed by a Viceroy that was typically a member of the royal family. Beneath the Viceroy can also be a Sub-Viceroy should multiple royals be placed in charge of an area.

Within the empire was the Office of Secret Intelligence (OSI) that operated as a secret intelligence agency that was answerable only to the Emperor.

A directive of the empire was that numbers of an annexed area were to govern themselves.

Military

Among the most elite units within the Holy Empire was the Knights of the Round that consisted of twelve elite knights. Its leader was designated as the strongest of their number and known as the Knight of One with the others ranked below from that number.

A position of great prestige and importance was that of a Knight. Members of the nobles were able to appoint a warrior to serve as their personal bodyguard or Knight.in fact, it was the right of a Viceroy to have a Knight as their personal guardian and sentinel. From the single Knight, a royal guard could be established around them.

The Britannian Military consisted of a wide range of forces that included army, navy and airforce. Part of it included Search and Rescue teams that were assigned with finding wounded soldiers or the bodies of the deceased following an operation. Another branch were the Royal Marines that were equipped for aquatic based operations. The Britannian Military included all Armed Forces of the Holy Empire of Britannia. It is believed to be one of the largest, most powerful, and most technologically advanced military in the world.

One unit that was part of the empire was the Britannian Special Research Division or Camelot that was an Irregular unit that had autonomy from the military. Its function was research and development where they created new generations of Knightmare Frames along with weaponry.

One high ranking order was a Para Level 1 that could only be countermanded by three high ranking Generals or the Viceroy.

Society

Britannian citizens in Area 11.

The upper class within their society consisted of the nobles of the aristocracy. Average citizens of the empire were referred to as commoners'. Above the commoners were the nobles who enjoyed high status in society. Nobility was determined through family blood lines, riches and status but some could be given nobility as a reward for a great service. This was one method through which a member of the military could climb the societal ladder. Another method was by marrying off children to a family of higher status. Some noble families could, however, be stripped of their position and drop down in power as a result.

One group within their society was the Purebloods who were Britannians that formed both a political and military faction. They were opposed to the idea of granting honorary citizenship to individuals that were not of Britannia. This was because they claimed that their society and military should not be sullied by the inclusion of foreigners. Their view was that no true Britannia would ever conduct acts of a criminal nature or turn against the empire. To achieve their goals, they were not above making use of underhanded tactics in order to support their goals.

Striking a Britannian officer or an attempt on their life was a capital offence with the perpetrator put to death.

Lower nobility controls much of the business and bureaucracy outside the royal family, and judging by the number of legal and illegal businesses that appear in occupied areas, capitalism is widely encouraged. The residents of conquered nations can become Honorary Britannian citizen, and while not genuine Britannians or free from discrimination, they are entitled to the same basic rights. Those who refuse to accept honorary citizenship are consigned to live in rundown ghettos, while those who accept it may live in the prosperous Britannian colonial cities, called Concessions.

Since all conquered areas were given a numeric designation, conquered people were similarly referred to by that number, hence Japan was referred to as Area 11 and the Japanese as "Elevens". It was assumed that there are at least 18 different numbered Areas, though only a few are specified in the show. Britannians used the term "Numbers" as shorthand for any non-Britannian living under their rule. It was possible for the conquered subjects of a satellite region to become an honorary Britannian through the legal process with this being easy to achieve. Discrimination against the Numbers was considered part of national policy.

Law enforcement was achieved through the Britannian Police Force that worked to ensure peace and order was maintained within the empire's territories. The civilian branch made use of their own special type of Knightmare Frames and were known as the Knightpolice.

The Anthem of the Empire was called "All Hail Britannia!!!", after the Britannic salute which was:

Truth and hope in our Fatherland!

And death to every foe!

Our soldiers shall not pause to rest

We vow our loyalty

Old traditions they will abide

Arise young heroes!

Our past inspires noble deeds

All Hail Britannia!

Immortal beacon shows the way

Step forth, seek glory!

Hoist your swords high into the clouds

Hail Britannia!

Our Emperor stands astride this world

He’ll vanquish every foe!

His truth and justice shine so bright

All hail his brilliant light!

Never will he be overthrown

Like mountains and sea

His bloodline immortal and pure

All Hail Britannia!

So let his wisdom guide our way

Go forth and seek glory

Hoist your swords high into the clouds

Hail Britannia!

One research organisation was the Rosenberg Institute that was involved in military projects. Another research organisation was the Toromo Agency that was involved in special projects.

Originally, it was comprised of the entire North and South American continents as well as New Zealand and the Philippines. The capital city of the empire was Pendragon (ペンドラゴン, Pendoragon) that was the home of the Imperial palace. When conquering a territory, Britannia came to annex the region and claim it as a colony called an Area. In Europe, a tributary state that paid homage to the Holy Britannian Empire was Euro Britannia (ユーロブリタニア帝国, Yūro Buritania Teikoku, literally translated as “Euro Britannian Empire”).

Technology

Britannian medical science was noted to be advanced enough to treat a person for grievous gunshot wounds on the body.

One of the chief developments of the empire was the Knightmare Frame that was instrumental in ensuring Britannian victory over the Japanese.

A powerful weapon of mass destruction developed by the empire were the Field Limitary Effective Implosion Armaments (F.L.E.I.J.A.) which were class as a Heavy Strategic Anti-strongpoint Neutralize Warhead. It was developed using Sakuradite to cause a tremendous collapse effect obliterating all matter within its area of effect.

Territory

The capital of the Empire was the Imperial Capital of Pendragon where Pendragon Palace was located. The majority of the ruling family resided in the district of the capital known as Saint Darwin Street. The Emperor came to reside at the Britannia Palace with there being a number of other residences for other members of the Imperial family. These included Belial Palace, Belial Palace and the Imperial Villa at Aries (アリエスの離宮|Ariesu No Rikyū).

Part of the Empire were regions known as Areas that were either a nation or group of nations that had been conquered by Britannia and made into a colony. Each Area was designated with a number, and its people are referred to by that number. There were at least 21 Areas that came to be conquered by the Empire, each numbered in order of conquest. Areas were given one of three categories: Reformation, Developing, and Satellite status. Those of the Reformation category were also known as Correctional. Following conquest, an Area gradually progressed through these areas and gained greater degrees of autonomy with it, though, in the case of a serious setback such as a popular uprising, an Area could be demoted. This had the effect of dividing moderates and hardliners within Britannian society, with the former seeking to improve an Area's status through peaceful obedience while the latter try to disrupt the process through their activities. The general Britannian policy was to let each Area govern itself. Following Lelouch's ascension to the throne, the Area and Numbers system was abolished and full citizenship granted to all former Numbers, and the former names of all Areas were also restored. Lelouch, however, remained ruler over all the former Areas. This apparently gave Lelouch an overwhelming numerical advantage when he attempted to join the UFN because its voting system was weighed by population, implying that the regions of Britannia as a whole are much more populous. Alternatively, the regions may have the same population as their real-world counterparts, but the area of Britannia as a whole contributes to its enormous unified population, as all people living in former Areas were granted citizenship.

California Base was a major port used by the Britannian Pacific Fleet, situated on the west coast of Britannian homeland.

During Britannia's war with the E.U., it had established a tributary empire called Euro Britannia which comprised of all conquered European countries from during the war. It acted as the eastern front for the Britannian war effort against the E.U. and presumably grew to acquire all the other European nations that were annexed following the collapse of Europia United.

Members

• Charles zi Britannia :
• V.V. :
• Marianne vi Britannia :
• Lelouch vi Britannia :
• Nunnally vi Britannia :
• Clovis la Britannia :
• Anya Alstreim :
• Rolo Lamperouge : a male assassin who was a Geass user that was part of the Geass Order and assigned to the Office of Secret Intelligence where he was tasked with watching over Lelouch Lamperouge by masquerading as his brother after his memory was overwritten though he later sided with him.
• Michele Manfredi :
• Shin Hyuga Shaing :
• Villetta Nu :
• Jeremiah Gottwald :

Notes

• The Holy Britannian Empire was created by Gorō Taniguchi and Ichirō Ōkouchi where it featured in the setting of the Code Geass universe.

In other media

Television

• In Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, the Holy Britannia Empire made its first appearance in the setting of the anime television series.

Appearances

• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion:
• Code Geass: Akito the Exiled:

External Links

• Code Geass Wiki Entry

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