What if you declared war and no one cared? That was the problem facing Alaska. The land of The North Star may have birthed a new revolution, but no one outside of it heard. For a revolution to succeed, it would have to have the aid of a State.
The Confederate Cause had South Carolina, the Republic had Nevada. "Battle Born" is the motto of the State, not because of its rich military heritage, but because it was admitted to the Union during the First American Civil War (October 31, 1864 to be precise). No battles were fought on its soil.
Militarily speaking, Nevada is referred to as Military District #7, and is commanded from Fort Goshute in Ely. It was founded at the start of the First American Civil War. Since its founding it has been commanded by Major Kenneth Lee Dawes. As the Second Civil War begins Major Dawes is busy creating the Camp at Lake Tahoe (aka Fort Carson). Critics call it the Nevada Naval Base, because Major Dawes intends to use the location to launch an invasion of California, which has pledged its loyalty to The East.
Nevada is fairly unimportant as things go, but so was South Carolina. The big issue is that it is a STATE, not a Territory like Wyoming or a "Whatever" like Alaska. You notice when a State leaves the Union. Technically they are the only one who can.
Nevada also marks the first break in the link known as the Trans-Continental Railroad. You can't get from Omaha to Sacramento without going through Nevada. Now that Nevada is in rebellion, California is in jeopardy. The Silver and Gold booms that pop up now and then may ensure that the Republic will not suffer the financial collapses of the former Confederacy. Time will tell.
Nevada is the first State willing to "gamble" on an Empire of The West. Only if other States decide to ante-up, however, will there be any chance of a payoff. On May 7, 1875 Nevada cast its lot with the West. It is now up to President Ulysses S. Grant to see if Nevada is serious, or to take action to call her bluff.
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