n7axw
I would advise that you check what the actual mechanics of the Russian revolution were. Specifically who did the fighting and deposing of governments. Also, don't blame the Tzar to much. There were revolts before the abolition of serfdom and there were revolts other than the Russian Revolution after the abolition. Plus they were in the middle of WWI. Every nation involved had such problems. See rise of labor rights in Britain, the Mutiny in France(capital m is intentional), the Rise of the Weimar Republic and the complete disintegration of the Dual Kingdom(Austro-Hungary).
Thucydides
You are quite correct about the applicability of the Spartan example to Harchong.(Your name is appropriate for this)
As for free economic/political systems, yes they can be more productive. BUT, Elizabethan England and the United Provinces had major geographical reasons for those successes. Plus France, which was one of the most powerful nations on the European continent since there was a Europe.
For some counter examples see the Triple Entente in WWI and the Allies in WWII(Not the Soviet Union or Russia because I don't think there is a comparable period for what they could have produced under a more politically and economically free system). There was a great increase in socialist policies during both wars in the politically free nations during both wars. That increase was directly related to increased production of war materials.
McGuiness, I know it's late but I think you deserve a response.
In regards to a religious declaration, I am referring specifically to Ninian's evidence. With regards to the conflict of religious authority I am refereeing to the creation of the Church of England(Church of Charis). Plus the Church of Corisand which is partially part of the Church of Charis but also partially separate. The CoC is now a new and unprecedented in Safeholdian history, religious structure. It is unprecedented in that it is both new(on earth there a million religions and sects, on Safehold there has only ever been one) and separate and also isn't necessarily claiming that there will ever be a reunification.
On the subject of freeing slaves literacy is irrelevant. See 'Contraband' in the American Civil War.
McGuiness wrote:Unfortunately, the sadists who fill the ranks of the Inquisition rather enjoy torturing prisoners - and what sort of sick mind do you have to possess to do that sort of thing to you fellow man, even if you are deluded into believing that you are saving their souls?
The armies on the side of the CoGA are not blameless innocents lead astray by the evil inquisition. You need to consider two things.
One: The soldiers in those armies are actively involved in the butchery. See German are in WWII and the subsequent white washing. The SS most definitely the only people who were part of the genocide.
Two: Those sort of sick minds are common throughout humanity. To take Africa. See, campaigns against condoms, various genocides, the lynching's of homosexuals and criminalization (with death penalty) of homosexuality. Regardless of what you think of condoms/birth control and homosexuality the brutal horrible harm of what I listed above is obvious.
Also, to mention non-African areas, see Palestine/Israel, and even better the gigantic mess(better now than a decade ago now) that is the state formerly part of Yugoslavia. Bombarding an open city with artillery is a rather horrible thing to do don't you think?
Edit: I also just wish to add the execution and quarantine(in poverty, with little medicine) of witches and accused witches.