Honor, Loyalty, Motherland.
—Party motto
The Argai Revolutionary Movement (Tionese: Арќаи Ревољуџона Движена, ARD) was a political organization on the planet of Argai, founded by the revolutionary and Argaian nationalist Nicolau Xesús in 26 BBY. Members of the Movement revered the ancient Kingdoms of Argai and Cron, and viewed the infamous Argaian warlord Xim as a national hero. They also heavily promoted the use of of the traditional Tionese language, and were supported by the Separatists during the Clone Wars. The organization was banned by the Galactic Empire during an occupation, but the Imperial garrison was defeated by the Movement in 8 BBY—6 BBY. The Movement became the dominant party of the Argaian National Republic.
History[]
Revolution (26—24 BBY)[]
Up until 26 BBY, the planet of Argai was ruled by a Republic-backed government, which was weak, poor, and unpatriotic. Years of bad leadership left the people of Argai in a general mood of anger, as well as the yearn for some change. A political analyst from the eastern city of Zargov, named Nicolau Xesús, rise up and began protesting, and was quickly joined by many others. He revered the ancient kingdoms of Cron and Argai, as well as the infamous warlord Xim the Conquerer. He viewed Xim to he a national hero, and he heavily urged everyone to speak the traditional Tionese language, which was spoken thousands of years ago by the early settlers and explorers from Argai. Xesús claimed many times that he himself was descended from Xim, though that was never proven. His nationalistic rhetoric drew support, as patriotism began rising among the populace.
That year, Xesús formed the Argaian Revolutionary Movement (acronym for which was ARD in Tionese). The political organization was needed to consolidate all of his supporters, a large number, into one group. The ARD's membership reached 175,000 in a week, and went up to 406,000 in a month. By the end of the year, the organization was at 1.3 million members. The party gained more support throughout 25 BBY, and resisted any attempts by the government to ban it or hinder it's activities. The ruling leadership relied largely on Republic assistance, but this was not fully available as the Separatist Crisis was beginning near the end of the year. In 24 BBY, Xesús was contacted by Count Dooku, leader of the galactic Separatist movement. Dooku agreed to provide support for a revolution if Argai would join the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Xesús agreed to the deal.