Federation-Cardassian War

Template:Infobox military conflict The Federation-Cardassian Wars, known in the Federation as the Cardassian Wars or Border Wars (DS9: "Tribunal"), were prolonged conflicts between the Federation and the Cardassian Union, which started as far back as 2347 and lasted into the 2350s. (Smaller skirmishes, not officially considered part of the wars, continued into the 2360s.) The ensuing stalemate by the mid-2360s advantaged neither side in firepower or territory. A 2367 truce enforced an end to hostilities but left key questions unresolved; the finalized treaty, unsigned until 2370, formed a demilitarized zone between the powers, creating a new border and clarifying claims to planets such as Dorvan V. (TNG: "The Wounded", "Journey's End", "Chain of Command, Part I", "Chain of Command, Part II")

The use of the plural "wars" may indicate that cease fires, treaties and declarations of war took place more than once. This also helps to explain the seemingly confused dating.

The wars raged in a series of conflicts of various sizes as the two powers struggled to protect their individual interests. A major incident was the Setlik III massacre. The Federation starship USS Rutledge under the command of Captain Benjamin Maxwell was the first vessel to respond to the colony's distress calls. The Rutledge went on to become involved in other conflicts during these wars. Many members of the ship's crew exhibited signs of xenophobia towards Cardassians thereafter. (TNG: "The Wounded") The USS Tecumseh, commanded by Captain Raymond, also saw extensive combat. (DS9: "Nor the Battle to the Strong")

Prior to 2355, the USS Stargazer was involved in a truce offering by the Federation in sector 21503. After making contact with a Cardassian warship, Captain Picard lowered the ship's shields as a gesture of good will, but the Cardassian commander ignored the gesture and disabled the Stargazer's weapons and impulse engines. The Stargazer managed to regroup and flee. (TNG: "The Wounded")

This was at some point between the mid-2340s and 2355.

While Kathryn Janeway held the rank of Lieutenant, she was the member of an away team defending a Federation outpost from Cardassians during the border conflict. The Cardassians fought for the outpost for weeks, and at one point ended up in a three day long firefight. In the end Starfleet secured the outpost and all members of the away team were decorated by Starfleet Command. (VOY: "Prey")

This was before 2363 when Janeway took command of the USS Billings, placing her on the USS Al-Batani under Owen Paris.

Much of the fighting went on in the area of space that would later become the DMZ. The Beloti sector was a hot spot during the wars, and in the 2350s, gravitic mines were deployed in the sector. (TNG: "Ethics") The Cardassian Union pushed into Federation space, and Federation systems such as Minos Korva were disputed territory during the wars. In 2369, two years after the established truce, the Cardassians unsuccessfully attempted to take the system. (TNG: "Chain of Command, Part II") Members of Starfleet further feared that the Cardassians would try to annex the Igo sector in that year. (TNG: "Realm of Fear")

Losses during the wars left deep scars on both sides. For instance, Gul Evek lost two of his three sons during the Cardassian Wars, and Captain Benjamin Maxwell lost his entire family. Starfleet officers such as Will Kayden and Raymond Boone died during the war. Popular Federation ambassadors Spock and Sarek disagreed publicly over the Cardassian Wars, which led to a serious divide in their relationship and family. (TNG: "Journey's End", "The Wounded", "Unification I"; DS9: "Tribunal") Tensions remained between the two expanding powers. Many seasoned veterans from both sides were called upon by their respective governments to face each other again during the Dominion War that began in late 2373.

From what we know of the Maquis and the DMZ, it seems this war started because the Federation and the Cardassians colonized a number of Class M planets in proximity to each other. Both sides seem to have recognized a different border line. The Cardassians sought to annex several crucial worlds along the border, perhaps because of the same resource shortages that had led them to the Occupation of Bajor, while perceiving Federation colonization in a similar context.

Chronology

2347

Cardassians attack Setlik III, claiming preemptive strike

2350

Federation citizens (Native Americans) settle on the disputed Dorvan V

2350s

Gravitic mines deployed in the Beloti sector

Prior to 2355

USS Stargazer makes a truce offer, it is rejected with force

Prior to 2358

The wars claim many adult Camorite lives and Camor V government records

Prior to 2363

Cardassians attempt to take a Federation outpost leading to weeks of combat

Mid 2360s

Conflicts settle into an effective stalemate

2366

Open hostilities end

2367

Ceasefire agreement signed

Starfleet notices suspicious activity near Cardassian border

USS Phoenix attacks Cardassian outposts without orders

2368

USS Denver hits a gravitic mine

A truce is established, but questions remain about the border

2369

Starfleet suspects Cardassians of planning to annex Igo sector

The Cardassians attempt to take Minos Korva

2370

The Federation-Cardassian Treaty is finalized and the DMZ formed

Prior to 2371

The Jankata Accord is signed by both parties

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