"The Mouse That Roared" (IIRC) told the story of a small nation that declared war on America with the idea of surrendering and being taken care of. American leaders assumed that if they were THAT certain of their victory, they must have a secret weapon... so to save lives, the U.S. surrendered... and requested aid... 🤣
@@sproctor1958 Absolutely marvelous satire of the Cold-War-era USA and in particular its nuclear weapons program and, more gently, the quirks of tiny European monarchies both real and imaginary. The novel (1955) & movie ('59) came out at a time when Great Britain was still rationing food (and I assume other goods, such as gasoline -- or, as they call it, "petrol") and reflect the widespread, if rather mild, resentment over not benefitting from America's Marshall Plan, or at least, not getting anywhere near as much aid as former belligerents and other WWII-wrecked states. Highly recommended to anyone who hasn't seen it. The plot summary on Google: "When the tiny nation of Grand Fenwick's only export, a special wine, begins to be produced in California, their entire economy collapses. Things look dire until Prime Minister Rupert Mountjoy (Peter Sellers) points out that no country that has declared war on the United States has ever gone hungry. When Field Marshall Tully Bascombe (Peter Sellers) and the 23 other men in the Grand Fenwick army invade the United States, their plan to immediately surrender unravels."
Back in the late 1990s an acquaintance of mine traveled to Jamaica, and presented his Conch Republic passport to customs. The officer stamped it and welcomed him to the island.
No! It is time for ALL Americans to stand up against the corruption. 3 World Trade Center buildings DID NOT miraculously collapse in perfect symmetrical demolition free fall from an upper level fire 🔥!! !
I came across this group at a sailboat show in Groton, CT in 2012. They made me an honorary Lieutenant Commander in their Navy and then said they'd take me on their ship, but then kicked me off for paying tourists. Seriously, no hard feelings. They also salute with their left hand as they always have a drink in their right hand. Long live Republic of Conch!
@@dmdrosselmeyer Sorry for confusion. I was a kid with no money. There were tourists with money who wanted a ride on their ship. Understandably, they had the tourists come aboard and left me on the pier as the ship was full. No hard feelings though, I'm still a proud Lieutenant Commander of their Navy 🙂
I literally just got back from the Keys Saturday and was there to celebrate the 1st day of the Conch Republic's Anniversary Week. Crazy that now you post this video! LONG LIVE THE CONCH REPUBLIC!
I have lived in the Florida Keys for several years now and visited for many more before that. They are truly a “State of Mind.” The Keys are much more than the famous Key West! They stretch for over 100 miles from Key Largo to Mile Marker 0 in Key West! Thank you, Simon for covering this part of our history.
I'm a Floridian and I was only vaguely aware of the Conch Republic (not from South Florida). This was hilariously informative and probably the most Florida thing I've heard of!
Key West is technically part of Florida but it is really separate. I've been all over Florida and Key West stands by itself as a very unique place. The best way to describe it is Disney World for drunks. When I was there there were 32 bars on the island. I hit a fair number of them while I was there too.
@@1pcfred "Disney World for drunks" How oddly accurate that comparison is. We never minded the margaritas, the bars, or the drunks... but when we had to worry about the children's safety... no more Key West. And, no more Disney.
@@sproctor1958 I'd say that Key West is not really family oriented. Least it wasn't when I was there. There were 32 bars on the island then. All pretty much within walking distance of each other too. Not that you'd be walking too good if you tried to hit them all.
@@1pcfred Wife & I went on a couple of dive trips down there early 80's, and took the kids back on a couple of camping trips in the 90's... no problems, good memories... Our trip in the late 90's was our last. We originally, (for their safety), had the boys keeping an eye out for the girls... the last trip, we had to have the girls keeping an eye out for the boys... for the same reason...
😎 What a treat! My sweetheart and I ran off down to Key West for adventure…and got down just months before the Roadblock. Still have a Conch Republic Flag and Passport…And yes, ultimately the economic impact of the Roadblock forced us to return to Atlanta after only a couple of years…things came back slowly but Damn! What a blast from the past and I was there! Thanks Simon and company!
I'm a native Floridian and had no idea about the conch republic. The "we seceded where everyone else failed" shirt is absolutely hilarious 😂😂 thank you for all of the information across all of your channels. Great job to Simon and the entire team.
You should do a video on Rojava (aka The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria), it's an autonomous zone in Syria carved out by the Kurdish militia that defeated ISIS. They've got their own constitution, which includes ethnic and gender equality as a right. It's one of the most peaceful and prosperous areas in the region, but is currently being threatened with invasion from Turkey. Really interesting place that might not last much longer.
Never in my wildest dreams did i think Simon would ever cover this near-forgotten piece of South Florida history!!! My grandfather took the family after independence down from Miami to celebrate and get their passports stamped lol ps. and a special thanks for pronouncing conch correctly :)
Near forgotten? If you fly into Key West, the first thing you see on deplaning is a large sign over the terminal gates WELCOME TO THE CONCH REPUBLIC. Conch Republic flags fly all over Key West. Not only is it not near-forgotten, the Republic is alive and well.
Living in Key West for 22 years now, I am considered a "Fresh Water Conch" and hold the rank of Conch Navy Chief Warrant Officer 10 as declared by the "Honorable Reef Perkins and Sir Peter Anderson". I started my 3 year Sabbatical after my Master's Degree on a sailboat and never left the Keys...Sir Peter Anderson passed away in July of 2014 and is always remember at any Couch Republic gathering by hoisting a glass! RIP Peter. Thanks for the mention Simon!
We nearly had the Republic of Point Cook in my old suburb here in Melbourne, Australia Had a right laugh chatting with the council member who announced it over a beer
0:55 - Chapter 1 - The 2nd american civil war 7:45 - Mid roll ads 9:05 - Chapter 2 - Secretary of conch 13:20 - Chapter 3 - Viva la republica de la concha (long live to the republic of conch) 17:30 - Chapter 4 - Conch lusion
I have visited the Keys a couple of times and had a wonderful experience each visit. My favorite story is walking down Duvall Street in Key West and a guy selling handcrafted jewelry stopped me and pointed at my tee shirt. The tee shirt was a local festival advert for a small town celebration on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. The guy asked, How are things in Hoquiam going? My jaw dropped open- he didn’t mispronounce the name of the town. He knew all about my little burg and it’s history. Turns out he grew up in a larger city about 70 miles away and worked at Boeing for 30 years then retired to Key West. To make jewelry, drink and sail. Not a bad retirement plan if you ask me. I hope you are still selling jewelry, Larry from Puyallup. And enjoying adult libations when sailing into the sunset.
Growing up there was one of the greatest experiences ever, the state of mind is true, you grow up so open minded because it's all about just living life and having fun. Decorated many a fantasy fest float for the pier house
It's true what they say; "You can't go home." Key West has changed SO significantly. We used to love going there with our family in the 80's and 90's. Kids were safe back then. Sadly, no more.
Yep agreed, I went there when I was 13 with my father to liveLeft a few years ago. Still in Florida Many of my school friends get together in Central Florida
I’ve looked into micronations before. How have I never heard of this? Edit: They had freaking fritter bombs. You can’t do better than that. Edit: Now I want to live there. It sounds like a genuinely awesome community.
I'd forgotten about them. At the time my reaction was "What in the H--- are they up to?!?" (Not too long before in Wisconsin we'd had people who were serious about seceding [a militia group, defeated, IIRC, by condemning their property and leveling it.] Now I want to visit! The Conch Republic definitely won their war!
A similar-ish shenanigans occurred in a town local to me... The small town of Kinney, MN had a problem with the city well, and they would have to replace it, but the cost was far more than the town could afford. They applied for federal aid, and were promptly denied. The officer who denied cracked, "It would be easier for you to get foreign aid".... And so they did. Seceding from the union to become the Republic of Kinney. Similar to the Conch republic, this never really was meant to go anywhere, but it generated the publicity and attracted the attention of wealthy individuals and institutions, and they managed to get the money they needed to update their water supply... As well as a police car, and some frozen pizzas... All the small towns up here have their various "xxx Days", usually denoting when there was a fire that leveled the town, or ludicrously big hail... but Kinney has Secession Days. They print up T-Shirts and passports.
I hear Minnesota and immediately Grumpy Old Men comes to mind. And both sides of my family are from there. St. Paul, Albany, Avon, St. Cloud and the occassional ice fishing shack just a couple miles from the Canadian boarder !!!
Got me a Conch Republic Flag on the wall of my hallway, right across from a US flag. I did live on Key West for a year, taught me some real life lessons. A very interesting place.
Conch fritter bombs sounds like the most Key West thing ever, I love it xD I never knew the whole thing started over a roadblock, but that's a totally valid concern down there. I used to live in south FL, and visited the Keys very often, sometimes going all the way to Key West, my mom would take me and we could get down there and back home as a day trip. One night, when we were headed back north on US-1, there was a fire in the dense brush and trees on either side of the road, in a long stretch where the road was one lane, and we were stuck there for 3-4 hours as we waited for officials to clear the way and safely let people through. I had a terrible full-body sunburn and a bad case of sun poisoning with fever and chills at the same time, along with just being exhausted from having been up since 5am, it was miserable and I'll never forget it. Any kind of road block there is a safety hazard for sure, let alone an inconvenience to residents and a detriment to tourism, so I can understand their frustration.
About 20 years ago I was fortunate enough to have some. I'm way up north from there and a Jamaican Lady came to visit our local music festival and set up a booth in the foods of the world section. They were so good my mouth is still watering. I have been trying to find more ever since.
Pretty good story especially with your accent Simon!! LOL. You got it almost perfect with a few omissions. If you want some weirdness, go to Key West. The hurricanes have changed the keys a lot but Key West is still weird. The corporate world is invading though. I fly my Conch Republic flag high!
I do say sir, what a fun, and amusing video. It's a beautiful, simple acceptance of others as they are, in the Conch Republic. It's witty and people, from your description, seem to genuinely care about their fellow human. If only the world was more like this.
I know Jimmy Buffett is a huge supporter of the Conch Republic and is a official ambassador to the micro nation! Jimmy Buffett would make a great and interesting Biographics as his followers are fiercely devoted and despite never having huge hits until later in life, his tours are always some of the highest grossing concert tours. He also is a successful entrepreneur as well. His followers are fiercely devoted to the lifestyle of taking it easy!
I just got carsick thinking about that old white man's version of island music. (I've actually seen him in concert. I jest because my old white man only listens to the buffet and a band named after a marital aid.)
Jimmy buffet is the worst, he is not followed by any real KW locals. He said Key West is a bad place to raise kids, generally a scummy guy. Literally only the tourists from Wisconsin who visit Key West once are “followers” of Jimmy Buffet
Great businessman, unlike Trump & left something beautiful behind, his music and his stories, unlike Trump who left behind nothing but hate&a bunch of nasty ,angry ppl. Parrot Heads on the other hand wear Hawaiian shirts.
Another great video, thank you for putting out so much fantastic content to keep me edutained. I'd like to suggest the Salton Sea in the California desert. The sea stands in the basin where a massive ancient lake once stood, supporting a deep and fascinating native history long before Europeans showed up. The European arrival has an interesting history of its own including a Lost Ship of the Desert legend before the American era which led (by accident) to the recreation of the sea via the Colorado River. Along with a new booming farming economy the Sea also saw speed boat races and aquatic recreation before the pesticides and excessive water table draw stopped the outflow to the Gulf of Mexico allowing the buildup of pesticides and killing near all life in the sea. Dozens of plans to restore the sea have been concocted and abandoned over the years with the latest being to pump water from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico to refill the water while desalinating more to provide fresh water in the drought stricken southwest U.S. and northern Mexico while also accessing the rich lithium deposits deep under the sea. It's relatively unknown outside of the county let alone the world at large but I think there's a lot to draw on for you and your viewers.
Sometimes you just have to bow to the absurd, this is an utterly hilarious situation they have on the go there, very Pythonesque, just add a Ministry for Silly Walks and they'd be set for life... :D
I'm a born and raised Floridian and was living in Bradenton Florida at the time and I'm amazed I never heard about this too and just now. Although I do remember when my ex-wife and I visited key West and thre were references to the conch Republic but we didn't know the backstory apparently
This is hilarious to me bc when I visited Miami for the first time, I made it a point to try conch fritters but not bc of the Conch Republic, which I had no idea even existed at the time but bc of a episode of MTV cribs with Trick Daddy. During the episode Trick made homemade conch fritters and they looked delicious so I knew if I ever visited Miami I had to try them. But now knowing that there is a Conch Republic, I have decided to become a staunch supporter. Long Live the Conch Republic!! How this hasn’t became a “American Pie” type comedy movie yet is dam near criminal.
@@lathenhertel8564 And Will Ferrell as secretary Anderson. In fact you know what? Let’s get the whole Anchorman cast on this! I can see Paul Rudd dropping fritters from a plane!
I think it was a brilliant idea and a great risk of the mayor Dennis Wardlow back in 1982 to use the media to bring tourism and Key West into the spot light to help the Keys economy.
My grandfather was Key West's police chief in the 90s and he actually got Dennis Wardlow arrested for accepting bribes. He called the FBI to investigate corruption in the city government, ultimately resulting in Wardlow's arrest. Wardlow was acquitted but held a grudge, and City Hall was very hostile to my grandfather until his retirement. Nonetheless, the Conch Republic story is hilarious and I will always be entertained by it regardless of the mayor's other actions.
@@Booker830 Oh cool! Sorry I just now saw your reply. Do you happen to remember the police chief's name being Edgar Raymond Peterson (Ray Peterson or E.R. Peterson)?
@@Booker830 oh interesting, I will have to look that up. It's so cool to hear from someone who actually remembers my grandfather's time as police chief, especially since I wasn't alive at the time to experience it. Thank you so much for your comment, it really means a lot to me
I do believe that if a national government threatens a community state, whether intentional or not, and the majority of of citizens vote in favor of secession, then they should indeed have the right to secede or overthrow the government (hopefully in a peaceful, civil, and legal manner through the courts) This is the purpose of the constitution. Unfortunately that will never be the case however because those in charge don’t want to loose their jobs or feeling of being in power, and the federal government is scared of loosing even a tiny source of financial revenue
@@michaelblaszkiewicz7283 how many blocks can you go in any direction off the highway on the Keys? They're not very big islands. I was there a long time ago and they weren't that built up when I was there.
@@michaelblaszkiewicz7283 they're beautiful as long as the weather holds out. A big wave could wash over any of those islands. But yeah big waves are rare in the Gulf.
The old classic Bayview boat club in San Francisco waterfront proudly has the flag displayed outside in the smoking section by the Bay. Great video And blessings to you and yours coming at you from the hills of Southern Oregon
Little known history fact as well if the Bombing of Pearl Harbor never had happend there would have been a vote on December 8th 1941 to decide on if the State of Jefferson should be formed. Would have devided California into two states and a good chunk of Oregon as well. But the country was busy making ready for more important matters at the time.
It's a year old, but I couldn't pass this up. What fond memories. I was there with my 11 yr old son, not quite mid-way down, on Long Key. We'd spent the day in the State Park snorkeling in the shallow waters, taking a break from our busy routine at home in Miami. Got mightily snagged in that miles long jam caused by a not too thought out plan of action. We met some nice and interesting people during those long hours, even having dinner with a couple who'd missed their flight out of Miami to their own home up north. Reading how Key West folks were handling the situation had all of us in Florida thoroughly entertained and mainly supportive of them. The sequence of secession, raising the flag of the Conch Republic, declaration of war, declaration of defeat, then requesting foreign aid: Priceless! BTW, this FUBAR never happened again.
Only in Florida...I have honestly never heard this story, and given a few of my oddball history teachers I'm honestly surprised that they didn't sneak it in there.
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Propoganda 7:43, 8:58.
@@jiukumite pop
yo, someone should buy Conch republic passports for the refugees stuck between belarus and poland.
Fort Jefferson would make for a good Megaprojects
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I love that he hit the officer with the bread and then promptly surrender, demanding $1,000,000,000 in foreign aid. Glorious.
"The Mouse That Roared" (IIRC) told the story of a small nation that declared war on America with the idea of surrendering and being taken care of.
American leaders assumed that if they were THAT certain of their victory, they must have a secret weapon... so to save lives, the U.S. surrendered... and requested aid... 🤣
@@sproctor1958 Absolutely marvelous satire of the Cold-War-era USA and in particular its nuclear weapons program and, more gently, the quirks of tiny European monarchies both real and imaginary. The novel (1955) & movie ('59) came out at a time when Great Britain was still rationing food (and I assume other goods, such as gasoline -- or, as they call it, "petrol") and reflect the widespread, if rather mild, resentment over not benefitting from America's Marshall Plan, or at least, not getting anywhere near as much aid as former belligerents and other WWII-wrecked states. Highly recommended to anyone who hasn't seen it.
The plot summary on Google: "When the tiny nation of Grand Fenwick's only export, a special wine, begins to be produced in California, their entire economy collapses. Things look dire until Prime Minister Rupert Mountjoy (Peter Sellers) points out that no country that has declared war on the United States has ever gone hungry. When Field Marshall Tully Bascombe (Peter Sellers) and the 23 other men in the Grand Fenwick army invade the United States, their plan to immediately surrender unravels."
Side note stale cuban bread is a weapon, its like getting hit with a wooden bat
Legend
Classic florida man
"We seceded where others failed" is an absolute classic.
Why they gotta do my boy Texas like that?
Our border is WEAK! Anyone going over OUR border should be in prision.
@@zachaliles Why they gotta do Alaska like that
That line alone was enough to justify the entire runtime of this video...
13 States failed where 1 County succeeded by seceding lol
ending a road block ✔️
legalizing alavery □
Back in the late 1990s an acquaintance of mine traveled to Jamaica, and presented his Conch Republic passport to customs. The officer stamped it and welcomed him to the island.
I bet the official was stoned.
@@stinkeye460 Probably the acquaintance too!!!lol
_Island business is island business_
@@stinkeye460 bruh
Landlubbers wouldn't understand.
I feel so safe here in the US, knowing that such a stronk and powerful nation is there just off our coast.
No! It is time for ALL Americans to stand up against the corruption. 3 World Trade Center buildings DID NOT miraculously collapse in perfect symmetrical demolition free fall from an upper level fire 🔥!! !
Lol!
@@JackClayton123Shame you got slapped up by farmers in Vietnam tho init
@@callumhayes7502pretty sure OP isn’t a Vietnam war veteran. So no. Innit.
This is utterly hilarious and heartwarming. Only in Florida, only in Florida.
If you know anything about Key West, you know it's completely unlike the rest of Florida.
These are the fun and nice people of Florida
@@Snipedog1978 So very true. Great folks down there.
Also in Western Australia, Prince Leonard of the Hutt River Principality. He seceded because of a dispute with the Govt over wheat quotas.
@@tst4783 how did he fare during the Great Emu War of 1932?
I came across this group at a sailboat show in Groton, CT in 2012. They made me an honorary Lieutenant Commander in their Navy and then said they'd take me on their ship, but then kicked me off for paying tourists. Seriously, no hard feelings. They also salute with their left hand as they always have a drink in their right hand. Long live Republic of Conch!
It's one of the few places in the US I'd love to visit. Can certainly understand why Hemingway loved the place.
What do you mean by paying tourists, if you don't mind me asking?
@@dmdrosselmeyer Im not hip to that term either
Paying tourists for what 😭
@@dmdrosselmeyer Sorry for confusion. I was a kid with no money. There were tourists with money who wanted a ride on their ship. Understandably, they had the tourists come aboard and left me on the pier as the ship was full. No hard feelings though, I'm still a proud Lieutenant Commander of their Navy 🙂
Conch Republic sounds like a 4/20 idea that got out of hand in the best way possible
They should go for a security agreement with Russia.
That is so well said. Never thought of it before, but a road trip to celebrate 4/20, in the Conch republic, would be wonderful.
It's why margaritaville is the way it is. It's based on the keys way of life
Sounds exactly like Duval St at night
Lol we’ve all been there
I literally just got back from the Keys Saturday and was there to celebrate the 1st day of the Conch Republic's Anniversary Week. Crazy that now you post this video!
LONG LIVE THE CONCH REPUBLIC!
Amen.
I have lived in the Florida Keys for several years now and visited for many more before that. They are truly a “State of Mind.” The Keys are much more than the famous Key West! They stretch for over 100 miles from Key Largo to Mile Marker 0 in Key West! Thank you, Simon for covering this part of our history.
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I'm a Floridian and I was only vaguely aware of the Conch Republic (not from South Florida). This was hilariously informative and probably the most Florida thing I've heard of!
Key West is technically part of Florida but it is really separate. I've been all over Florida and Key West stands by itself as a very unique place. The best way to describe it is Disney World for drunks. When I was there there were 32 bars on the island. I hit a fair number of them while I was there too.
@@1pcfred "Disney World for drunks" How oddly accurate that comparison is. We never minded the margaritas, the bars, or the drunks... but when we had to worry about the children's safety... no more Key West. And, no more Disney.
@@sproctor1958 I'd say that Key West is not really family oriented. Least it wasn't when I was there. There were 32 bars on the island then. All pretty much within walking distance of each other too. Not that you'd be walking too good if you tried to hit them all.
@@1pcfred
Wife & I went on a couple of dive trips down there early 80's, and took the kids back on a couple of camping trips in the 90's... no problems, good memories... Our trip in the late 90's was our last. We originally, (for their safety), had the boys keeping an eye out for the girls... the last trip, we had to have the girls keeping an eye out for the boys... for the same reason...
@@sproctor1958 I think I know what you mean. Key West attracts all kinds.
😎 What a treat! My sweetheart and I ran off down to Key West for adventure…and got down just months before the Roadblock. Still have a Conch Republic Flag and Passport…And yes, ultimately the economic impact of the Roadblock forced us to return to Atlanta after only a couple of years…things came back slowly but Damn! What a blast from the past and I was there! Thanks Simon and company!
Must of been a hell of a time in the best and worst of ways. Hope you still wave that flag proudly in Atlanta.
For once, a story that sounds like it should be satire brings levity rather than frustration. Nice.
The original Florida Man is a legend
I'm a native Floridian and had no idea about the conch republic. The "we seceded where everyone else failed" shirt is absolutely hilarious 😂😂 thank you for all of the information across all of your channels. Great job to Simon and the entire team.
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You should do a video on Rojava (aka The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria), it's an autonomous zone in Syria carved out by the Kurdish militia that defeated ISIS. They've got their own constitution, which includes ethnic and gender equality as a right. It's one of the most peaceful and prosperous areas in the region, but is currently being threatened with invasion from Turkey. Really interesting place that might not last much longer.
The Turks are really hell bent on Ethnically cleansing out the Kurds
Contact Russia, they support separatists
Never in my wildest dreams did i think Simon would ever cover this near-forgotten piece of South Florida history!!! My grandfather took the family after independence down from Miami to celebrate and get their passports stamped lol
ps. and a special thanks for pronouncing conch correctly :)
I remember seeing this on the news, while living in Clearwater. Why can't the rest of Florida follow the Conch example?
@@Hollylivengood probably because they're attached. Can't find a big enough saw to cut it off.
@@zachaliles Are you celebrating 4-20?
Near forgotten? If you fly into Key West, the first thing you see on deplaning is a large sign over the terminal gates WELCOME TO THE CONCH REPUBLIC. Conch Republic flags fly all over Key West. Not only is it not near-forgotten, the Republic is alive and well.
@@the-chillian Uhhhyeah, they were referring to the entire rest of the world who never really gave a fuck.
As a citizen of the conch republic since inception, fine video. Brought back some memories, thanks.
Living in Key West for 22 years now, I am considered a "Fresh Water Conch" and hold the rank of Conch Navy Chief Warrant Officer 10 as declared by the "Honorable Reef Perkins and Sir Peter Anderson". I started my 3 year Sabbatical after my Master's Degree on a sailboat and never left the Keys...Sir Peter Anderson passed away in July of 2014 and is always remember at any Couch Republic gathering by hoisting a glass! RIP Peter. Thanks for the mention Simon!
We nearly had the Republic of Point Cook in my old suburb here in Melbourne, Australia
Had a right laugh chatting with the council member who announced it over a beer
Nothing goes better with a revolution than a mid strength beer. Shite, yer not Ozzieman.
0:55 - Chapter 1 - The 2nd american civil war
7:45 - Mid roll ads
9:05 - Chapter 2 - Secretary of conch
13:20 - Chapter 3 - Viva la republica de la concha (long live to the republic of conch)
17:30 - Chapter 4 - Conch lusion
Chapter 6 - Profit
¡Viva la Concha! 😀
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@@ArkadiBolschek 😂😂😂😂😂yyy que vivaaaa!! Wonder if they know what that can mean in Spanish 😬🤣🤣🤣
I have the feeling this might go down as one of Simon's all time favorite videos. A micro nation and a metric ton of snark.
I have visited the Keys a couple of times and had a wonderful experience each visit. My favorite story is walking down Duvall Street in Key West and a guy selling handcrafted jewelry stopped me and pointed at my tee shirt. The tee shirt was a local festival advert for a small town celebration on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington state. The guy asked, How are things in Hoquiam going? My jaw dropped open- he didn’t mispronounce the name of the town. He knew all about my little burg and it’s history. Turns out he grew up in a larger city about 70 miles away and worked at Boeing for 30 years then retired to Key West. To make jewelry, drink and sail. Not a bad retirement plan if you ask me.
I hope you are still selling jewelry, Larry from Puyallup. And enjoying adult libations when sailing into the sunset.
Growing up there was one of the greatest experiences ever, the state of mind is true, you grow up so open minded because it's all about just living life and having fun. Decorated many a fantasy fest float for the pier house
You must be one of the few that didn't succumb to Keys Disease ha ha. Usually I'll be there tomorrow meant in two weeks.
It's true what they say; "You can't go home." Key West has changed SO significantly. We used to love going there with our family in the 80's and 90's. Kids were safe back then. Sadly, no more.
Yep agreed, I went there when I was 13 with my father to liveLeft a few years ago. Still in Florida Many of my school friends get together in Central Florida
I had never heard of this before, but I'm so glad I now know about it. What a great story, and Happy Anniversary to the Conch Republic!
I’ve looked into micronations before. How have I never heard of this?
Edit: They had freaking fritter bombs. You can’t do better than that.
Edit: Now I want to live there. It sounds like a genuinely awesome community.
Right too bad we couldn't fight every war with fritters and stale bread
@@ladymopar2024 The world would be a much better place, but NOPE instead of fritter nukes we got nuke nukes :(
I'd forgotten about them. At the time my reaction was "What in the H--- are they up to?!?" (Not too long before in Wisconsin we'd had people who were serious about seceding [a militia group, defeated, IIRC, by condemning their property and leveling it.] Now I want to visit! The Conch Republic definitely won their war!
@@KeitieKalopsia too bad too we are all stuck on this little ball together have an awesome day
Isn't that where old people are shipped to dry up and die on the beach?
A similar-ish shenanigans occurred in a town local to me... The small town of Kinney, MN had a problem with the city well, and they would have to replace it, but the cost was far more than the town could afford. They applied for federal aid, and were promptly denied. The officer who denied cracked, "It would be easier for you to get foreign aid".... And so they did. Seceding from the union to become the Republic of Kinney. Similar to the Conch republic, this never really was meant to go anywhere, but it generated the publicity and attracted the attention of wealthy individuals and institutions, and they managed to get the money they needed to update their water supply... As well as a police car, and some frozen pizzas...
All the small towns up here have their various "xxx Days", usually denoting when there was a fire that leveled the town, or ludicrously big hail... but Kinney has Secession Days. They print up T-Shirts and passports.
I hear Minnesota and immediately Grumpy Old Men comes to mind. And both sides of my family are from there. St. Paul, Albany, Avon, St. Cloud and the occassional ice fishing shack just a couple miles from the Canadian boarder !!!
That absolutely brilliant. Sometimes, Floridians' shenanigans are actually wholesome!
Hi Simon!!! I'm from Miami so I know all about this, but to hear you tell the story is so funny, I watch all of your channels 👍
I've only ever been to two foreign nations, Canada, and The Conch Republic.
Got me a Conch Republic Flag on the wall of my hallway, right across from a US flag. I did live on Key West for a year, taught me some real life lessons. A very interesting place.
Conch fritter bombs sounds like the most Key West thing ever, I love it xD
I never knew the whole thing started over a roadblock, but that's a totally valid concern down there. I used to live in south FL, and visited the Keys very often, sometimes going all the way to Key West, my mom would take me and we could get down there and back home as a day trip. One night, when we were headed back north on US-1, there was a fire in the dense brush and trees on either side of the road, in a long stretch where the road was one lane, and we were stuck there for 3-4 hours as we waited for officials to clear the way and safely let people through. I had a terrible full-body sunburn and a bad case of sun poisoning with fever and chills at the same time, along with just being exhausted from having been up since 5am, it was miserable and I'll never forget it. Any kind of road block there is a safety hazard for sure, let alone an inconvenience to residents and a detriment to tourism, so I can understand their frustration.
I love a new video from any of Simon's channels.
Me too
Almost any lol, some I can't get behind
Good thing he has 13 of them for you. 🤣
Conch fritters are awesome. Simon needs to visit the Keys and try some.
About 20 years ago I was fortunate enough to have some. I'm way up north from there and a Jamaican Lady came to visit our local music festival and set up a booth in the foods of the world section.
They were so good my mouth is still watering.
I have been trying to find more ever since.
Honestly could live off of those Conch Fritters,
And some margaritas.
And narrated with all the comedic flair of an Al-Jezeera war story! Absolutely brilliant work once again Simon! :-)
History of the Conch Republic posted on 4/20……. Fantastic
I think this is the best thing I’ve seen all year. Absolute mad lads
Heard of this from a fiction novel first and the story of the Republic just gets BETTER with this video!!
Pretty good story especially with your accent Simon!! LOL. You got it almost perfect with a few omissions. If you want some weirdness, go to Key West. The hurricanes have changed the keys a lot but Key West is still weird. The corporate world is invading though. I fly my Conch Republic flag high!
I proudly wear the Conch Republic T-shirt I got in Key West last fall. Such a fun, beautiful, quirky place!
I do say sir, what a fun, and amusing video. It's a beautiful, simple acceptance of others as they are, in the Conch Republic. It's witty and people, from your description, seem to genuinely care about their fellow human. If only the world was more like this.
This sounds like something the guys from Monty Python would write, I'm dying lol
Well Dennis Wardlow had just major balls to stand against Federal government like that. And it paid off.
I know Jimmy Buffett is a huge supporter of the Conch Republic and is a official ambassador to the micro nation! Jimmy Buffett would make a great and interesting Biographics as his followers are fiercely devoted and despite never having huge hits until later in life, his tours are always some of the highest grossing concert tours. He also is a successful entrepreneur as well. His followers are fiercely devoted to the lifestyle of taking it easy!
I just got carsick thinking about that old white man's version of island music. (I've actually seen him in concert. I jest because my old white man only listens to the buffet and a band named after a marital aid.)
@@Skarry They invaded Belize with the Margaritaville resort, which is VERY expensive. A rich, white man's version of the Caribbean.
Jimmy buffet is the worst, he is not followed by any real KW locals. He said Key West is a bad place to raise kids, generally a scummy guy. Literally only the tourists from Wisconsin who visit Key West once are “followers” of Jimmy Buffet
The Donald Trump of the Florida Keys. Very rich.
Great businessman, unlike Trump & left something beautiful behind, his music and his stories, unlike Trump who left behind nothing but hate&a bunch of nasty ,angry ppl. Parrot Heads on the other hand wear Hawaiian shirts.
This was brilliant! I live in South Florida but was not aware of the whole story.
Thank you for producing an episode re Key West & the Conch Republic!
Love this story. Light hearted and void of death. Much needed in these times. Thank you for sharing this tale of intrigue.
Having lived in Key West this is the BEST video about the Conch Republic I've ever seen!!!! Great job Geographics!!!!!
As a micronationalist, these guys were some of the first and best.
Another great video, thank you for putting out so much fantastic content to keep me edutained. I'd like to suggest the Salton Sea in the California desert. The sea stands in the basin where a massive ancient lake once stood, supporting a deep and fascinating native history long before Europeans showed up. The European arrival has an interesting history of its own including a Lost Ship of the Desert legend before the American era which led (by accident) to the recreation of the sea via the Colorado River. Along with a new booming farming economy the Sea also saw speed boat races and aquatic recreation before the pesticides and excessive water table draw stopped the outflow to the Gulf of Mexico allowing the buildup of pesticides and killing near all life in the sea. Dozens of plans to restore the sea have been concocted and abandoned over the years with the latest being to pump water from the Sea of Cortez in Mexico to refill the water while desalinating more to provide fresh water in the drought stricken southwest U.S. and northern Mexico while also accessing the rich lithium deposits deep under the sea. It's relatively unknown outside of the county let alone the world at large but I think there's a lot to draw on for you and your viewers.
I've lived in Florida my whole life and that conch fritter is one of the best sounding things I've ever heard
When my dad passed I inherited a bunch of conch republic paraphernalia. He was friends with many of the locals and got involved in it.
Anyone still doing it? I would like a throwaway passport in case of emergency.
Grateful for the recipe provided!
This was a particularly good episode
Your best video yet! awesome stuff....similar situation played out in Australia called Hutt River.... :-)
Props to Simon for making through nearly the entire video without laughing. Conch knows I sure didn't.
This is one of the most wholesome and positive video I just heard. Love it.
HIT UP for more update on XRP, NFT, BTC,?
Living right by the Conch Republic, I love when people talk about this interesting story that not a lot of people know about.
What a wonderful delivery of the history of this "republic". Well done, Simon!
All This taught me was that bureaucracy is the surest and most efficient killer of personal freedom that has ever existed
I really really enjoyed this one. Thank you Simon
Long live the Conch Republic. It will forever be my home.
A cheeky episode like this was a nice break 😊
My entire family is from key west it's a great place very friendly and fun to hangout there
I needed this in my life, thank you.
Seceding from the US???
Based.
Great Job Simon.
Sometimes you just have to bow to the absurd, this is an utterly hilarious situation they have on the go there, very Pythonesque, just add a Ministry for Silly Walks and they'd be set for life... :D
As a member of the Republic your video was done pretty well
I am SO sorry I missed this! (I lived in Key West for about a year in the mid-seventies) This is hilarious.
I grew up in the Keys and I have to tell you I enjoyed this a lot. Your humor was perfect for the story.
I'm a born and raised Floridian and was living in Bradenton Florida at the time and I'm amazed I never heard about this too and just now. Although I do remember when my ex-wife and I visited key West and thre were references to the conch Republic but we didn't know the backstory apparently
hello neighbor !
@@SilverHonda0767 ok...lol
This is hilarious to me bc when I visited Miami for the first time, I made it a point to try conch fritters but not bc of the Conch Republic, which I had no idea even existed at the time but bc of a episode of MTV cribs with Trick Daddy. During the episode Trick made homemade conch fritters and they looked delicious so I knew if I ever visited Miami I had to try them. But now knowing that there is a Conch Republic, I have decided to become a staunch supporter. Long Live the Conch Republic!! How this hasn’t became a “American Pie” type comedy movie yet is dam near criminal.
This....this needs to be a movie. I dont think I've laughed so hard over a Geographics episode before. Just. Freaking. AWESOME.
Steve Carell as Mayor Dennis Wardlow!
@@arnaldoteodorani277 YES!
@@lathenhertel8564 And Will Ferrell as secretary Anderson. In fact you know what? Let’s get the whole Anchorman cast on this! I can see Paul Rudd dropping fritters from a plane!
@@arnaldoteodorani277 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Not often i learn something new on youtube this awesome, sending it to everyone i know
I think it was a brilliant idea and a great risk of the mayor Dennis Wardlow back in 1982 to use the media to bring tourism and Key West into the spot light to help the Keys economy.
Ahhh... I love Key West. 2 years I barley remember. Good times... Capt.Bob SV (Sailing Vessel) 27th Chance, Tampa Fl.
Ah, yes. The days when Florida's weird was actually cute and clever. Long, long ago.
Yeah, and then people from every other state came here and ruined it.
What is wrong with Florida now?
What a great story! I never knew about this until today. Thanks Simon!
Ah the Republic de la Concha, some say Florida Man’s dad was once a member of their special forces.
I imagine that it went something like this: “they put a roadblock on our road!” “Ok?” “Well let’s secede!!!” “Ok.”
My grandfather was Key West's police chief in the 90s and he actually got Dennis Wardlow arrested for accepting bribes. He called the FBI to investigate corruption in the city government, ultimately resulting in Wardlow's arrest. Wardlow was acquitted but held a grudge, and City Hall was very hostile to my grandfather until his retirement. Nonetheless, the Conch Republic story is hilarious and I will always be entertained by it regardless of the mayor's other actions.
I remember!
@@Booker830 Oh cool! Sorry I just now saw your reply. Do you happen to remember the police chief's name being Edgar Raymond Peterson (Ray Peterson or E.R. Peterson)?
Yes your post says alot.
Matt Dukes Jordan wrote a requiem for Key West in Rita Troxels anthogy last year.
@@Booker830 oh interesting, I will have to look that up. It's so cool to hear from someone who actually remembers my grandfather's time as police chief, especially since I wasn't alive at the time to experience it. Thank you so much for your comment, it really means a lot to me
My friend, Scott, is a proud citizen of the Conch Republic. That was a great video. Thanks.
What an amazing little nation right on our doorstep.
This is just the best. Made me laugh out loud! Thanks
Who woulda thought it? I can cackle for 18 minutes straight.😂
Hey stranger!!!! Good to see you as always great video love all your channels when I find them I'm sub but ain't getting notified SMH
I do believe that if a national government threatens a community state, whether intentional or not, and the majority of of citizens vote in favor of secession, then they should indeed have the right to secede or overthrow the government (hopefully in a peaceful, civil, and legal manner through the courts) This is the purpose of the constitution. Unfortunately that will never be the case however because those in charge don’t want to loose their jobs or feeling of being in power, and the federal government is scared of loosing even a tiny source of financial revenue
treaty of Montevideo 1933,
read it and pay special attention of the declatory method of statehood. courts? we dont need no stinking courts.
This is a dangerous precedent. Kosovo was the beginning , then you had the situations in Georgia and Ukraine
Hey man. They, uh…
They weren’t being serious to begin with, it was all just a clever way to…
Did you watch the thing?
Brilliant. Had never heard of this! Now on my bucket list!
The Florida Keys are fantastic, you would love it Simon!
It's really just Key West. The rest of the keys are a dump.
@@1pcfred ever key is different, but if you are just pulling off hwy 1, you won't see much.
@@michaelblaszkiewicz7283 how many blocks can you go in any direction off the highway on the Keys? They're not very big islands. I was there a long time ago and they weren't that built up when I was there.
@@1pcfred Key Largo is beautiful, so is Islamorada, deer key and pigeon key.
@@michaelblaszkiewicz7283 they're beautiful as long as the weather holds out. A big wave could wash over any of those islands. But yeah big waves are rare in the Gulf.
The old classic Bayview boat club in San Francisco waterfront proudly has the flag displayed outside in the smoking section by the Bay. Great video And blessings to you and yours coming at you from the hills of Southern Oregon
I want to serve in a military that requires you to keep a quart of Margaritas on hand.
in hand
I lived in Key Largo for years, great place to chill. The yearly celebration is a blast.
Little known history fact as well if the Bombing of Pearl Harbor never had happend there would have been a vote on December 8th 1941 to decide on if the State of Jefferson should be formed. Would have devided California into two states and a good chunk of Oregon as well. But the country was busy making ready for more important matters at the time.
It's a year old, but I couldn't pass this up. What fond memories. I was there with my 11 yr old son, not quite mid-way down, on Long Key. We'd spent the day in the State Park snorkeling in the shallow waters, taking a break from our busy routine at home in Miami. Got mightily snagged in that miles long jam caused by a not too thought out plan of action. We met some nice and interesting people during those long hours, even having dinner with a couple who'd missed their flight out of Miami to their own home up north. Reading how Key West folks were handling the situation had all of us in Florida thoroughly entertained and mainly supportive of them. The sequence of secession, raising the flag of the Conch Republic, declaration of war, declaration of defeat, then requesting foreign aid: Priceless! BTW, this FUBAR never happened again.
This is AMAZING. I must become a Conch.
I love the attitude of this whimsical Mock-ro Nation!!
Good video 👍
Don't know how you managed to keep a straight face for that long, If I wasn't smiling...I was just cracking up. What great video!
Good lord, how long did it take you to film this without completely breaking?
Only in Florida...I have honestly never heard this story, and given a few of my oddball history teachers I'm honestly surprised that they didn't sneak it in there.