"We secede where others fail..."

 
In 1982, Key West declared independence from the United States, declared war, and then immediately surrendered as a form of protest. This satirical act, known as the creation of the Conch Republic, was a response to the U.S. government's lack of action regarding Border Patrol roadblocks that were negatively impacting the island's tourism. 

The "declaration of war" and subsequent surrender were intended to draw attention to their grievances and allow them to apply for foreign aid as a "conquered nation". 

 

This unconventional approach successfully highlighted the impact of government policies on local communities and ultimately led to the removal of the roadblocks.