The Reconstruction

The Reconstruction was a pivotal event in Favont’s history, triggered by terrorism, war, and a global recession. Implemented as the "Jobs for All!" scheme, it addressed economic instability and unemployment while keying into Favont's already existing social hierarchy structure. The Reconstruction is widely regarded as a successful measure, bringing prosperity to the majority of the population and strengthening the nation’s sense of stability and purpose.

Historical Context

The Reconstruction was preceded by a series of significant events between 935 and 940:

• Queen Adelaide’s Assassination (935): Adelaide was assassinated by Terva, the Ananan terrorist group. This act shocked all of Favont, including the Ananan population, who overwhelmingly condemned the violence.
• The Favo-Enwa War (935–940): Enwa’s open support for Terva led to a war between Magnus Prime nations, aligned with Favont, and Enwa, backed by its continental allies.
• Global Recession (940): The war ended due to a global recession that caused widespread poverty, unemployment, and economic disparity.

These events created a volatile social and economic climate, paving the way for the drastic measures of the Reconstruction.

The Reconstruction

The Reconstruction, officially branded as the "Jobs for All!" scheme, began with extensive planning and public engagement before its implementation in 941. It marked a turning point in Favont’s history, reshaping the nation’s social and economic structures under the guise of employment reform.

Stages of the Reconstruction

Preparation and Planning

• Public Campaigns: The government launched a promotional effort for the "Jobs for All!" scheme, framing it as a solution to unemployment and economic recovery after the recession. Media coverage emphasised its benefits, generating public excitement.
• Infrastructure Development: Warehouses were converted into processing centres, and upgrades to The System, Favont’s surveillance network, were made to ensure efficient implementation.
• Bolstering Security Forces: The military, police, and private security forces were trained to enforce compliance, while laws regulating bonded labour were expanded.
• Religious Framing: The Cosmos faith’s teachings on social roles were used to legitimise the scheme, portraying helots as fulfilling divine purpose.

Initial Implementation

• The scheme began in 941 in Ibaleban, Stiriphese.
• Targets included all Ananans and impoverished humans. Those with disabilities or long-term illnesses were executed, though these executions were never made public.
• Arrested individuals lost their homes, possessions, and legal names, becoming state property known as helots. Each was assigned a number for identification.

Nationwide Rollout

• The Reconstruction expanded from the Stiriphese to the rest of Favont.
• Helots were processed in warehouses, instructed in their new roles, and sold to prospective owners. Owners were required to insure and tax their helots and meet their basic needs unless punishments were imposed.

Employment Assignments

• Helots were deployed across various sectors:
  • Industrial work: mining, logging, and fishing.
  • Agricultural work: farming and food production.
  • Factories: manufacturing goods for domestic and export use.
  • Service roles: retail, hospitality, domestic service, and public utilities.
• Skills were considered in assignments, but helots’ preferences were disregarded.

Justification

The Reconstruction was justified through a mix of economic, societal, and religious reasoning, reinforced by propaganda:

Legacy of the Reconstruction

By 948, the Reconstruction has drastically transformed Favont, presenting a nation of apparent prosperity and order but concealing deep systemic inequalities.

Economic Prosperity

• Industrial Growth: Helot labour supports industries like farming, manufacturing, and public services, making Favont a leading exporter within Magnus Prime.
• Full Employment: Unemployment has been eradicated, and the economic boom has disproportionately benefitted the upper classes.

Social Stability

• Reinforced Hierarchy: The class system remains rigid, with magi at the top, free humans in the middle, and helots at the bottom. The Cosmos faith continues to justify these divisions.
• Order and Compliance: Strict adherence to societal roles ensures a façade of stability, with minimal open resistance.

Cultural Changes

• Erasure of Ananan Culture: Ananan traditions have been eradicated, with only commodified elements like art and music surviving, particularly in the Stiriphese.
• New Class Integration: Slavery, once rare, is now visible and integrated into modern daily life. Society expects that goods are made and livelihoods maintained by helots.

Modern Infrastructure

• Urban Transformation: Cities across Favont have been modernised, featuring clean streets, efficient services, and advanced infrastructure.
• Public Image: These improvements are celebrated as symbols of Favont’s recovery and progress.

Lingering Issues

• Loss of Individuality: Helots, stripped of names and possessions, live as state property.
• Uneven Benefits: While the upper classes thrive, helots bear the brunt of the nation’s success.
• Resentment Below the Surface: Though rare, quiet dissatisfaction exists among helots and some free humans, hinting at potential tensions.

Favont is widely seen as a utopia, with economic success, social order, and cultural pride. However, this image masks systemic oppression and the costs borne by the lower classes.