South Bend War

The South Bend War is an ongoing military conflict fought between the Peninsular Empire on one side and a variety of enemies, most significantly the Brotherhood of Steel, on the southern coast of Lake Michigan. The War began in the mid 2270s when the Peninsular Empire army reached the outskirts of Gary Indiana and first encountered forces of the brotherhood of steel. This sparked a three year long bitter campaign between the two sides. This war would destabilize nearby communities and create opportunities for raiders and bandits.

Beginning
By the late 2270s, the Peninsular Republic was entering its 2nd decade of massive expansion. It had nearly doubled its territory, capturing Grand Rapids in 2266. Within 10 years the Peninsular Empire as it would come to be known would conquer as far as Battle Creek. By the time they were on the outskirts of Chicago the occupying Brotherhood of Steel had plenty of knowledge of their activities and declared them enemies.

Battle of Gary
Determined to take Chicago, the Republic continued its campaign. More troops were sent, and another offensive was launched. This one worked somewhat and they reached near the city of Gary, where they found the Brotherhood Waiting. The Peninsular Army faces the full might of the Brotherhood of Steel and their Super Mutant auxiliary troops brought in from beleaguered midwestern front. The PR troops are not used to fighting Power Armour and mutants and quickly crumble under a withering Pincer attack.

War against the Red Star Army
Concurrent with the conflict against the Brotherhood of Steel and the various raider gangs, the Peninsular Republic also fought against the Red Star Army in areas near Lansing. The PR had mostly given up their plans to conquer Lansing at that time, fighting that Chicago and Detroit were more worthy prizes if it was gonna be a difficult effort. The Red Star Army did not recognize any such ceasefire or peace. Throughout the South Bend war the RSA sent commando teams in to commit partisan and sabotage activities. They were not necessarily in favor of the Brotherhood of Steel but knew they were already over stretched and unlikely to seek to conquer Lansing and the People's Commonwealth. The Peninsular Republic had made its desire for total domination well clear by then.