When the Republic of Slaterä became independent in 1914, the Secession Order declared that "all citizens are equal to nobility in matters of privileges and rights." This had the effect of granting all citizens the right to vote and hold office, as well as to have their own coats of arms. The Ministry of Arms and Nobility was created to support the registration of arms, and to provide simple information about the civil rights afforded to all Slateräns.