Milky Way

By 2650, the already chaotic situation in human space had worsened considerably. Over 50 nations warred among each other – in fact the borders shifted so much during this time that it is nearly impossible to create an accurate map of human space. Due to the communications lag inherent in hyperdrive technology, nobody at the time had any idea what was really going on.

Star Map: Historic situation, 2650AD

The industrial base of many worlds was severely eroded by 2650. Part of the reason to continue the war was the attempt to capture ships and factories from the enemy – in order to be able to continue the war!

The core space of the Solar League, which had been able to keep out of the war for decades, became a valuable prize. Its neighbors began to attack its border worlds in 2645. The League would eventually collapse in 2662. While the fighting would continue for decades more in some areas, the fall of the League is generally accepted as the beginning of the Interregnum – the galactic dark ages.

Several years after the break-up of the Old Federation, the nations who claimed parts of Federation territory began to settle their disputes with the use of force. By 2610, hostilities were in full swing – the great civil war had begun. It was really not one war, but a large number of wars fought at the same time all over human space. By 2620, these wars had radically altered the political situation.

Star Map: Historic situation, 2620AD

Some of these nations were separated by “no man’s space” – areas of space where neither of the combatants was able to enforce his control; effectively wide-scale war zones. Planets all through human space began to suffer from damage to their infrastructure, either as shipments of spare parts never arrived; civilian infrastructure was neglected in favor of the war effort; or enemy bombardment caused damage.

Here’s my 2nd WIP for the map showing the political status of human space in 2600AD (compare to previous version). The Federated Nations relinquished control of the colonies two years previously, and many new nations have emerged. The borders are approximate areas of control; most of these states claim additional territories that overlap with their neighbors.

Star Map: Historic situation, 2600AD

This unstable situation did not last long; it led directly into the great civil war which further fragmented human space.