Springtime of the Colonies

"While avoidable, the Springtime of the Colonies was the beginning of an inevitable conflict between the Inner and Outer Colonies, between Earth loyalists and colonial independence activists, the latter turned to violence from fruitless negotiations and the UNSC's responses to seceding provinces, most notably Far Isle's province of Estovakia in 2492. While the events of the Springtime were brought somewhat under control, many, including the late Doctor Carver, believed that it was only a matter of time until another massive armed conflict erupted, one on a scale not seen since the Second World War. However, the arrival of the Covenant brought human society, for the most part, together, putting a halt to the chain of events the Springtime had put in motion."

- An excerpt from a paper written on the Springtime of the Colonies