First Alliance-PLANT War

The First Alliance-PLANT War (第一次連合・プラント大戦, Daiichiji Rengō Puranto Taisen) was a major military conflict that occurred in Cosmic Era 71 between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT, the military organisation of the PLANTs. The war resulted from long-standing tensions between Naturals and Coordinators, culminating in open conflict that devastated both sides and threatened humanity’s future.

Background

The First Alliance-PLANT War was the culmination of decades of tension between Naturals and Coordinators. Following the discovery of Coordinator technology and the creation of genetically enhanced humans, conflicts arose over issues of discrimination, independence, and the relationship between Earth and space colonies.

The PLANTs had declared independence from Earth, establishing themselves as an independent nation at L5 Lagrange Point. ZAFT was formed as the PLANTs’ military force to defend Coordinator interests. The Earth Alliance, a coalition of Earth nations led by the Atlantic Federation, opposed Coordinator independence and sought to maintain Earth’s control over space.

Tensions escalated throughout CE 70 and early CE 71, with incidents and provocations on both sides. The war began when ZAFT forces attacked the neutral colony of Heliopolis to steal the Earth Alliance’s G Project mobile suits, marking the official start of hostilities.

Course of the war

Attack on Heliopolis

The war began when ZAFT forces, led by Athrun Zala, attacked Heliopolis to steal the Earth Alliance’s five G Project mobile suits: the Strike, Duel, Buster, Blitz, and Aegis Gundams. The attack resulted in the destruction of Heliopolis and forced the evacuation of civilians and Alliance personnel aboard the Archangel.

The attack marked the first major engagement of the war and introduced the conflict’s key participants, including Kira Yamato, who was forced to pilot the Strike Gundam to protect his friends despite being a Coordinator himself.

Early battles

Following the attack on Heliopolis, the Archangel became a focal point of the conflict, engaging in numerous battles as it attempted to reach Earth Alliance territory. These early engagements demonstrated the effectiveness of the Gundam mobile suits and the capabilities of both sides’ forces.

The war escalated as both sides committed more resources to the conflict, with battles occurring throughout Earth and space. ZAFT forces made significant advances, threatening Earth Alliance positions and demonstrating the effectiveness of Coordinator technology and training.

Battle of JOSH-A

The Battle of JOSH-A was a major engagement in which ZAFT forces attacked the Earth Alliance headquarters base in Alaska. The battle resulted in the destruction of JOSH-A when Alliance forces activated the base’s self-destruct system to prevent ZAFT from capturing it.

The destruction of JOSH-A marked a significant turning point in the war, as the Earth Alliance lost its primary command centre and was forced to reorganise its military structure. The battle demonstrated the desperation and intensity of the conflict, as both sides were willing to make extreme sacrifices.

Battle of Orb

The Battle of Orb occurred when Earth Alliance forces attempted to invade the neutral nation of Orb Union to gain access to its advanced technology. The battle saw Orb forces, supported by the Archangel and its crew, defending against the Alliance invasion.

Despite Orb’s eventual defeat and the death of its leader Uzumi Nara Athha, the battle demonstrated the complexity of the war, as neutral nations were drawn into the conflict. The battle also revealed the extent to which Earth Alliance command was willing to violate neutrality to achieve its objectives.

Final battle and GENESIS

The war reached its climax with the Battle of GENESIS, in which ZAFT forces attempted to use the GENESIS superweapon to eliminate Earth Alliance forces and demonstrate Coordinator superiority. The Three Ships Alliance, formed by the Archangel, Eternal, and Kusanagi, opposed both sides and worked to prevent GENESIS from being used.

The final battle saw the destruction of GENESIS and the deaths of key figures including Rau Le Creuset and Mu La Flaga. The battle’s conclusion led to a ceasefire and peace negotiations, bringing the war to an end.

Aftermath

The First Alliance-PLANT War ended with a ceasefire and peace negotiations, though the underlying tensions between Naturals and Coordinators remained unresolved. The war’s devastation and loss of life on both sides led to a temporary peace, but the conflict’s root causes continued to fester.

The war’s aftermath saw the formation of new alliances and the continued existence of the Three Ships Alliance as an independent force working toward peace. However, the war’s conclusion was not permanent, and tensions would eventually lead to the Second Alliance-PLANT War in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Significance

The First Alliance-PLANT War was a defining conflict that shaped the Cosmic Era timeline and set the stage for future events. The war demonstrated the destructive potential of conflicts between Naturals and Coordinators and highlighted the need for understanding and cooperation between the two groups.

The war’s events and participants, including the Archangel, the Gundam mobile suits, and the Three Ships Alliance, became symbols of hope and resistance. The conflict’s conclusion, whilst not resolving all tensions, provided a foundation for future peace efforts and demonstrated that cooperation between Naturals and Coordinators was possible.

Appearances

• Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

External links

• First Alliance-PLANT War on the Gundam Wiki