The state capitol of Lincoln was spared destruction on September 25, 1983. However, ensuing chaos resulted in a collapse of the government. With an increase of refugees from Omaha, and the loss of electricity and communications, all attempts to maintain order failed. On April 8, 1984, a "Provisional" Republic of Lincoln was established. Hoping to reconnect with Washington, the leadership considered the "republic" a placeholder for the US state of Nebraska. In 1996, on news that the US government had indeed collapsed, the Republic of Lincoln became an independent nation, with claims on the whole state. However, the government only controlled the southeastern corner of the state (below the Platte River and down to the former US state of Kansas).