History of Gapla/Lesson 3

Foundations (March 2019–August 2019)

3.1     Post-Emeralkian Growth

Growing Popularity     As Gapla became more popular in the APAAS class, the country experienced significant changes. For example, regular meetings of the newly established Parliament of Gapla were held on school grounds after school. The country also experienced significantly increased activity outside of meetings. At the end of this period, ten additional states and territories had been established beyond the four founding states of Gapla, Snake, Phoenix, and Emeralkia, forming alliances, treaties, and conflicts. In addition, Gapla had over 100 citizens through its website and word-of-mouth referrals to students in other classes and schools.

A Change of Name     On 2 May 2019, realizing that the so-called Principality of Gapla was not a principality (see Section 2.3), the country changed its official name to the Federated States of Gapla to reflect its status as a federation of states and territories.

Chickenopolis and Syopolis     Chickenopolis (later renamed to Folia Tail) and Syopolis were two notable states established during this period. Renaldo Chang, inspired by the foundation of Emeralkia, decided to establish the independent Kingdom of Chickenopolis despite Gapla's openness to additional states. The name comes from a drawing of a chicken on Renaldo's school binder, resulting in his classmates nicknaming him "chicken." While Wyatt Baek encouraged Chickenopolis to join Gapla, Renaldo initially refused before the country fell inactive and joined Gapla as a state during yoga, the substitute for PE on a rainy day. After Chickenopolis joined Gapla, it gained a substantial following—likely at least in part due to its humorous name—and developed a unique culture, including the "chicken greeting" (patting someone on the head). Syopolis's name was inspired by Chickenopolis after Vera Sy held a contest to determine her state's name. The winning entry was submitted by Grace Tan, who took Vera's surname and attached "opolis."

3.2     Early Gaplan Conflicts

The Snake Pact

Interstate Sessions

Highway 81

The Emeralkian Civil War

Gapla v. Ali

3.3     Gaplan Culture in 2019

Online Communication

Music in Gapla

Education in Gapla

Micronational Communities

Credits for Lesson 3

This lesson was authored by Wyatt Baek.

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