2014

Second Soviet Civil War ends with the surrender of the last Old Guard-controlled ICBM site to Loyalist forces. True to their word, NATO forces begin to pull out of Russia. Leaders of the various Western powers meet in the newly reunited British Prime Minister's call for "a new alliance of Western nations." NATO and the European Common Market are dissolved in favor of the Western Alliance. Leaders of various Soviet political and ethnic groups meet at Kiev. These representatives formally dissolve the USSR and create seven independent Russian States in a loose confederation. They are:

The Democratic Republic of European Russia (formerly the Ukraine, Byelorussia, Moldavia, and parts of the USSR)

The People's Union of Kazakh

The Islamic Republic or Turkmen

The Soviet Socialist Republic

The Democracy of Yakut

The Magadan Socialist Republic

The Confederation of Free Orient Peoples

2018

While working on a prototype fusion reactor at Stanford University, Professors Thomas Kearny and Takayoshi Fuchida notice anomalies inconsistent with known laws of physics. The two scientists publish "What Happened to the Universe When Einstein Wasn't Looking" in the September issue of The Western Alliance Journal of Theoretical Physics.

2019

Kearny and Fuchida publish "Einstein's Theories: The Cooked And the Raw."

2020

First full-scale fusion reactor is completed by a team of Harvard and MIT engineers and General Motors Corporation. The reactor exceeds all expectations. Kearny and Fuchida publish their famous paper entitled, "Now What?"

2021

Kearny and Fuchida publish "Pan-Dimensionality." Other scientists consider the contents of these papers to be even more amusing than their titles. The two scientists are laughed out of their jobs and their profession. Professor Takayoshi Fuchida marries Katherine Kurita. Many generations later, the descendants of this marriage will rule one of the largest and most powerful interstellar realms. General Motors patents first commercially available fusion reactor.

2022

China, the Hong Kong Collective, and the recently combined Korean States announce their intention to form the Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere. This action is seen as a direct threat to the Western Alliance. Both sides actively court Japan, the one country that could make the ACPS a rival to the Alliance. International tensions escalate.

2023

January-

April-

May-

2024

The Osaka Agreement is announced early in the year. The accord provides for the entry of Japan, China, and the Korean States into the Western Alliance, with the proviso that they retain the power to resolve some regional questions without need for Alliance approval. The Western Alliance accepts Japan, China, the Korean States, and the seven Russian States as members. Takayoshi Fuchida, his credibility as a physicist destroyed by his controversial work, returns in disgrace to Japan. He and his wife, Katherine Kurita, set up a small stationery and origami supply shop in the poorer section of Tokyo.

2026

First working fusion drive developed.

2027

The AS Columbia, a fusion-powered spacecraft, voyages to Mars.

2050

Alliance has established scientific outposts throughout the solar system. Private corporations begin establishing commercial colonies in space, resulting in research for better materials and smaller portable fusion reactors. Long range space probes launched to nearby stars. Several habitable worlds are discovered.

2086

Western Alliance becomes the Terran Alliance, with 120 member states.

2102

Faster than light stardrives developed based on Kearny/Fuchida research. The Jumpship is invented but the cost of the project causes civil unrest.

2108

Maiden voyage of jumpship to Tau Alpha Ceti.

2116

Following commercial production of FTL spacecraft, the first permanent colony is established on Tau Alpha Ceti.

2172

At this time there are more than 100 colonized worlds.

2177

Rudolph Ryan invents the Iceship to solve water shortage problems.

2235

More than 600 worlds settled. A group of colonies declares its independence. After an 18 month war it is clear that the Terran government lacks the resources necessary to crush the rebellion.

2242

Terran government grants independence to all of its colony worlds. Soon the boundary of Terran space shrinks to a 30 light year radius. People begin migrating to escape the unrest on Earth.

2271

Foundation of the Free Worlds league.

2314

Civil war on Terra causes the collapse of the Terran Alliance. McKenna intervenes with the spaceborne forces to stop the fighting and founds the Terran Hegemony under his leadership. He successfully reunites many of the Alliance worlds.

2317

Starting with the Crucis Pact, several mutual defense leagues similar to the Treaty of Marik begin to take shape.

2339

McKenna Dies.

2340

Michael Cameron replaces McKenna as Director General. During his term in office, the Work Mech is invented using Myomer technology.

2389

10 separate states with strong central governments have been formed.

2398

The Age of War begins as forces of the Capellan Confederation and the Free Worlds League clash in the Andurien system. A number of short, bloody conflicts follow.

2412

After the battle of Tintavel results in thousands of civilian casualties, representatives of the states meet to formulate and sign the Ares conventions, a set of rules for warfare. Though the Ares conventions reduce the damages of war, they also cement war as a way of life, and a method of settling even the smallest disputes.

2412-2550

Numerous border conflicts. No conclusive wins or losses occur, though the Terran Hegemony maintains superiority with the invention of the Battlemech in 2439.

2439

Battlemech invented, creating a vehicle with greater mobility and firepower than previous vehicles.

2455

Lyran Commonwealth raid on Hegemony mech production facility on Hesperus II. Battlemech technology begins to spread throughout the various states.

2550

The Age of War ends in another battle between Houses Marik and Liao over Andurien.

2556

Clasped Hands Treaty and Treaty of Geneva establish Ian Cameron of the Terran Hegemony, Terrence Liao of the Capellan Confederation, and Albert Marik of the Free Worlds League as the founders of the Star League. Further agreements with the Federated Suns, the Lyran Commonwealth, and the Draconis Combine unites the Inner Sphere. Ian Cameron becomes First Lord, with the other rulers holding seats on the high council.

2578

With the Taurian Concordat, The Rim Worlds Republic, and the Magistracy of Canopus resisting all efforts to be brought into the league by diplomatic means, war is declares between the Star League and the Periphery States. Reunification War begins.

2597

Reunification complete, the Periphery States surrender, becoming territories ruled by the Star League.

2630

Hyperpulse Generator invented, capable of speedy transmissions. In following years the Star League Establishes a network of stations tying the many systems of the Star League together efficiently for the first time. At the same time, a cheap water purification system is invented, rendering Iceships obsolete.

2650

When intelligence reports indicate that the Rim Worlds are building their army at an alarming rate, Michael Cameron and the Council issue an edict limiting the size of private forces in the states. Though obvious buildups are halted, secret armies are built and small wars occasionally fought despite the apparent unity of the Star League.

2751

Simon Cameron, fifth First Lord of the Star League accidentally killed in mining colony inspection, leaving 8-year-old Richard as his sole heir. The Council appoints Alexander Kerensky as Regent, but with little council support, thus limiting his power. During the ten year regency, the 2650 edict of Michael Cameron is canceled, allowing the member states to double their private military assets. An increase in allowable tax revenue followed.

2762

First Lord Cameron reaches his Majority, and issues an order to disband all independent armies. His proposal is struck down. In response, he dissolves the council, vowing to rule by decree.

2763

Richard Cameron's tax edict rejected by the periphery. Kerensky sent to cow the revolt brewing there.

2764

Stefan Amaris signs secret pact with Richard to protect Terra. When Cameron House units are sent to the Periphery as well, Amaris forces are the only ones left to guard Terra.

2766

Stephan Amaris kills Richard Cameron and every man, woman and child with a drop of Cameron blood. At the same time, his troops move against Terra and other planets of the Terran Hegemony.

2767

Amaris declares himself First Lord of the Star League. Kerensky declares cease fire with all Periphery States Except the Rim Worlds and declares full war with the Usurper and his realms. He takes the Rim Worlds Republic, then returns to the Terran Hegemony.

2779

Kerensky liberates Terra, and executes the Usurper and his entire family in retribution for his actions. Kerensky proclaims himself Protector of the Realm and invites the Star League Council to reconvene on Terra. The council lords convene and remove Kerensky, while they each pursue their own claim to the office of First Lord. Jerome Blake appointed minister of communications and placed in charge of repairing the Star League Communications network.

2781

The council dissolves itself, and the lords return to their separate realms to prepare for war.

2784

When the leaders of the great houses call for Kerensky's resignation, he gathers a huge fleet of the Star League Army together at New Earth. He and his troops leave Star League Territory and pass beyond the Periphery. 80% of the Army goes with him.

2784-3004

Kerensky and his followers, vowing to return one day to restore the Star League. Form colonies on a series of worlds known as The Pentagon. Eventually, the trials of life beyond the Periphery cause a rebellion. Kerensky's son and successor, Nicholas, leads his own troops to the planet Strana Mechty. There, he forms the basis of a society which will be created when he returns to retake the Pentagon Worlds. The Clans are formed, based on a clan governmental structure which uses genetic engineering to create the best warriors the Human Worlds have ever seen. By the time the clans prepare to return to the Inner Sphere, new races of perfect troops for infantry, aerospace and mech piloting have been created and placed behind the most advanced weapons technology ever created, surpassing the Inner Sphere by a wide margin.

2786

Starting with Minoru Kurita, the Lords of the Inner Sphere each declare themselves First Lord of the Star League. The Succession Wars begin. The Major States are The Draconis Combine ruled by House Kurita, The Free Worlds League ruled by House Marik, the Federated Suns ruled by House Davion, The Capellan Confederation led by House Liao, and the Lyran Commonwealth led by House Steiner. Blake obtains agreements that the Lords of the Inner Sphere will not attempt to damage the communications network. Communications Authority arises as a neutral power in control of the communications network, in the hopes of saving it and the rapidly disappearing technologies of the Star League.

2787-2821

First Succession War. Ares conventions cast aside in a brutal war. Facilities for producing Technology and knowledge of how to produce them are destroyed at an alarming rate. After such a brutal war a lasting peace is neither expected nor wanted. Instead, the short peace is used to build for the next great war. Because of losses of trade for spare parts for purification equipment, many worlds are abandoned, and water-rich worlds become extremely valuable strategic targets.

2788

Hastily recruiting several regiments, Blake takes control of Terra, declaring it a neutral world under protection of the communications authority. The organization soon takes the name Comstar.

2808

Comstar becomes an institute for the preservation of Technology and Knowledge, so that it may reveal it to the people of the Inner Sphere when the fighting is over. Unfortunately, in an effort to prevent this preserved technology from adding further years to the conflicts, measures are taken to maintain a monopoly on Star League technical data. This eventually is perverted into an organization which uses its technology in an attempt to dominate the Inner Sphere.

2811

ROM, the intelligence directorate of Comstar, is formed to prevent the spread of technology and defection of Comstar personnel.

2819

Blake dies. He is replaced by Conrad Toyama. Approached by several representatives of a faction seeking to use Comstar's Technological advantage to conquer the Inner Sphere, he instead initiates a purge of the faction, using ROM to wipe out all its members before any resistance can be organized. Toyama initiates the reorganization that will turn Comstar into a religious organization bent on the isolation of Comstar's knowledge and power until the rest of society collapses, at which point Comstar will return to save the human race.

2830-2864

Second Succession War. As destructive as the last war, it accelerates the process of technological decline. By the end of the war, technology has sunk overall to 21st century levels, with the great houses just barely maintaining the technology to fight the war. Though battlemechs are still built, they can be produced only in small numbers, and spare parts become scarce, as do people capable of doing the repairs. Repair and supply bases become as valuable as water if not more.

2854

By the time Karpov becomes Primus of Comstar, Comstar has begun subtle manipulations of the Inner Sphere, in order to facilitate Comstar's eventual success. To further aid this effort, he opens a number of positions in Comstar to members of Great House and Mechwarrior Families, allowing them access to information on events and what little technological innovation was occurring.

2866-3022

Third Succession War. As the lords' resources become more depleted, the violence begins to decline. Unwritten rules similar to the Ares conventions are put into force by the warriors themselves, causing much less destruction and slowing, but not stopping, Mankind's slide into barbarism.

3005

The Wolf's Dragoons enter the Inner Sphere on a recon mission for the Clans. They begin to take work as mercenaries in order to gather information about the Successor Houses. They become known as a top line Mercenary Unit.

3015

Hanse Davion sets up the New Avalon Institute of Science, as a semi-military academy and research center for old and new technologies.

3022

House Davion and house Steiner sign the Federated Commonwealth Treaty, creating an alliance between the two houses, and betrothing Archon-Designate Mellisa Steiner to Hanse Davion to unite the two kingdoms. In response, the other three houses form their own alliance in the Concord of Kapteyn. Several attempts are made on Davion's life.

3025

Agents of House Liao attempt to replace Hanse Davion with a cloned replacement. Hanse vows revenge.

3028

At his wedding, Hanse Davion offers Melissa Steiner-Davion the Capellan Confederation as a wedding gift. The Fourth Succession War begins.

3028-3030

The Fourth Succession War. Steiner and Davion forces attack the Capellan Confederation and the Draconis Combine. They declare victory and a cease fire, ending the war.

3029

Comstar removes a communications interdiction imposed on House Davion for an alleged attack on a Comstar station. In exchange, Comstar gains the right to garrison its facilities with its own Battlemech troops, gaining 50 regiments by 3050. Precentor Myndo Waterly becomes Primus. She begins taking a more active role in the affairs of the Inner Sphere.

3030

After making their reports to the Clans, Wolf's Dragoons return to the Inner Sphere with orders from a faction within the clans (known as the Wardens) to prepare the Inner Sphere for the Clan invasion (being led by the opposing faction, known as the Crusaders). The Wolf's Dragoons decision to take this course of action is technically viewed as a defection and/or treason by people on both sides in the conflict to come.

3036

Maximillian Liao, having gone mad during the war, kills himself. Romano Liao takes the throne. St. Ives Compact secedes from the Capellan Confederation. At about the same time the Free Rassalhague Republic is allowed to secede from the Combine.

3039

The Federated Commonwealth launches a war against the Draconis Combine. Newly outfitted with Star League Era Battlemechs provided by Comstar as part of a deal for garrisoning rights, Theodore Kurita forces back the assault.

3040

End of the succession Wars.

3050

3052

Comstar, which had been cooperating with the Clan conquerors up until this point. Draws a line at Tukayyid. The battle results in a defeat for the clans as more than 50 Com Guard Battlemech Regiments meet 25 Galaxies of Clan Troops. Comstar retains possession of Terra, in addition to a 15 year truce, during which neither side will attack enemy held worlds on the opposing side of the truce line. The fate of enemy worlds on the friendly side of the line is uncertain, leading to a reduced, but still present amount of fighting. At the same time, Comstar launches Operation Scorpion as hundreds of Comstar personnel, formerly aiding in the administration of conquered worlds, rise up in (futile) rebellion. In an attempt to subvert the authority of the leaders of the Inner Sphere, Comstar attempted to interdict communications in all the houses (The houses had already seized many of the Comstar facilities and had developed alternative communications systems besides). Soon after this decision, Primus Myndo Waterly is killed by Precentor Martial Focht. A schism develops between Comstar and a faction known as Word Of Blake, as Comstar begins to release technological knowledge to the masses. Hanse Davion dies of a heart attack. Romano Liao is assassinated. Sun-Tzu takes the throne of the Capellan Confederation.

3057

In the years following the Truce of Tukayyid, tensions continued to grow within the Clans. The so-called Crusaders increased their calls for a repudiation of the truce and a resumption of the Inner Sphere invasion, while the Warden faction continued to counsel cooperation with the Inner Sphere powers. This conflict set Clan against Clan, and warrior against warrior within each Clan. On August 8, 3057, the Grand Council held session on the planet Tamar to hear charges of genocide against ilKhan Ulric Kerensky. At this, the Jade Falcons angrily agreed to face the Wolves in the bitter conflict that came to be known as the Refusal War. To ensure Clan Wolf's long-term survival, Ulric ordered saKhan Phelan to lead the bulk of the Clan's Warden faction, along with Clan Wolf's genetic legacy and a third of its equipment, to a safe haven in the Inner Sphere. Khan Natasha Kerensky of the Wolf Clan, the infamous Black Widow, died amid the blood-red sands of Twycross. Ulric Kerensky died on Wotan in a treacherous ambush by saKhan Vandervahn Chistu. The war ended on Morges with the Falcons defeat and left Clan Wolf splintered along Warden and Crusader lines. Clan Wolf's warden faction lead by saKhan Pehlan now lives in exile in the Inner Sphere, while the crusader faction lead by now Khan Vladimir still resides with the rest of the clans.

3058

The Truce of Tukayyid brought the Clan invasion to an abrupt halt and deprived a new generation of Clan warriors of the chance to prove themselves in battle. Clan Jade Falcon's drive through the Lyran Alliance toward the planet Coventry was Falcon Khan Marthe Pryde's means of blooding her fledgling warriors and proving the Falcons' viability to the other Clans in the wake of the devastating Refusal War. The Jade Falcon attack also galvanized an important series of events among the Houses of the Inner Sphere. In response to the Clan incursion, Katherine Steiner-Davion (also called Katrina Steiner) authorized a defense force to battle the Falcons on Coventry. When Clan Jade Falcon soundly defeated the Coventry Expedition Force (CEF), Katrina deployed the Coventry Relief Force, which she had initially assembled to defend Tharkad. The Relief Force was joined by a multi-House and mercenary force, led by Prince Victor Steiner-Davion. Together the two armies successfully kept control of Coventry. Katrina had hoped to take advantage of the Clan attack to discredit her brother; instead, the successful defense solidified Victor's position as a skilled politician and military leader and encouraged him to pursue his plan to mount an Inner Sphere attack on the Clan homeworlds.

3059

In the wake of the bloodless victory, Steiner-Davion proposed that the Inner Sphere powers assemble a united force and take the war to the Clans. The leaders of the Inner Sphere greeted this proposal enthusiastically and, on 3 October 3058, the leaders of every Inner Sphere power assembled on the world of Tharkad to formally discuss the matter. During that meeting, Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht proposed that the leaders form a united front to face the Clans by creating a unified political body and a coalition military force. The assembled leaders agreed and took the historic step of drafting a new Star League Constitution. Sun-Tzu Liao, Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation, was appointed to the ceremonial post of First Lord. His selection symbolically raised him to equal status with the leaders of the larger and more powerful Great Houses, and served as a strong show of Inner Sphere solidarity. Almost immediately, the House leaders and their strategists began to devise an ambitious plan to claim the offensive in the war against the Clans. Thus was born Operation Bulldog, a massive offensive to drive Clan's Smoke Jaguar from the Inner Sphere. Operation Bulldog was a complete success and by 18 September 3059, every Smoke Jaguar world in the former occupation world was pacified by an SLDF garrison.

--From Official Timeline of Ancient Events, Volume X, ComStar Press, 3022.