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[NeverAgain]

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[NeverAgain]

Commonweath of Appalachia

Located In The Heart of the United States - Appalachia encompasses Southern WV, Most of Eastern KY and TN, with bits of western NC and VA chipped in.

Populations -

Voting Population (2012 Election) - 2,729,038 voters

Total Population - 6,693,245 people

Demographics -

Racial Makeup:

White: 87%
Black: 6%
Latino/Hispanic: 4%
Native American 2%
Asian: <1%


Religious Makeup:

Southern Baptist: 79%
United Baptist: 7%
United Methodist: ~6%
Athiest/Agnostic: ~6%
Other: 2%


Party Affiliation:

Republican: 57% (Vote was 69% in 2012)
Democrat: 27% (Vote was 28% in 2012)
Independent: 16% (Vote was 3% in 2012)

Politics -

State Legislature:

Unicameral and supposedly non-partisan, but usually votes with their blocks:

Liberal Block: 7 Seats
Conservative Block: 28 Seats
Moderate Block: 15 Seats


Issues:

(Support/Oppose/Unsure)

Same Sex Marriage: 16%, 59%, 35%

Abortion (Most or Some Cases) 12%, 78%, 10%

Lowering Tax Rates: 89%, 3%, 7%

Raising Tax Rates (To Balance The Budget) 27%, 61%, 12%

Increased Military Spending: 46%, 38%, 16%

Government Sponsored Healthcare: 42%, 45%, 13%

Gun Control: 12%, 77%, 11%

Increased Climate Change Prevention: 9%, 56%, 35%

Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants: 21%, 57%, 32%

Raising the Minimum Wage: 44%, 46%, 10%

Free Trade Agreements: 32%, 54%, 14%

Decriminalization of Drug Use: 26%, 43%, 31%

History of Appalachia -

Appalachia was first settled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as many pioneers moved to the area hoping to make a living on the new "frontier". Appalachia was hotly contested due to the immense trafficking of Native Americans through the lands, which were a supposed death threat to the Settlers. It was for this reason that in 1834, a delegation of Appalachians ventured to Washington to advocate for statehood. This caused an extreme divide in the Senate over slavery, as the proposed state would incorporate both free-states and slave states. The decision was made that the Southern half of Appalachia would be slave holding, while the North would be free.

This lasted until 1861 with the secession of many Southern States who encouraged Appalachia to do follow suit. Pressuring from abolitionists and from the Federal Government forced Appalachia to re-join the Union and fight the Confederacy. Angry Southern Appalachians signed up for the Confederate Army and a true "brother against brother" began. In 1865 the war ended and with the Union victorious, and re-united Appalachian once again.

Appalachia is known for into strong history which is a continual part of the culture and is represented by the people's views. The people are known to be extremely friendly, but very religious. They are extremely conservative, but have a compassionate tone to it. Overall the state is a very cultural state and hopes to continue to be for many more years to come.