Skyrim Civil War

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"When the sons of Skyrim would spill their own blood" 

-Esbern on the prophecy to unfold in Skyrim.

Background
The Skyrim Civil War, or The Stormcloak Rebellion, is an ongoing civil war in the province of Skyrim. It started when High King Torygg was killed in a duel by Ulfric Stormcloak, who became the leader of the Stormcloak Rebellion. The Stormcloaks believe that the Empire had betrayed them by giving into Thalmor demands to end the Great War, while the Imperials fight to keep Skyrim from leaving the Empire, weakening it even further. As the war between the Stormcloaks and Imperials heat up in Skyrim, the Dragonborn can choose a side and end the war.

Stormcloaks
The Stormcloaks were created by Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak. Their main goal is to restore Talos worship and expel the Empire and the Thalmor from Skyrim. They believe that Skyrim should be an independant homeland for the Nords. Their base of operations is inside the Palace of the Kings in the city of Windhelm with Galmar Stone-Fist serving as their field commander.

Imperials
The Imperials represent the Mede Imperial government that once ruled over most of Tamriel. They are fighting against the resistance led by Ulfric Stormcloak. Their goal is to keep Skyrim in the Empire. General Tullius, the Military Governor of Skyrim, leads the Imperial Army's operations in Skyrim. Their base of operations in Skyrim is Castle Dour in the city of Solitude with Legate Rikke serving as their field commander.

Misc

 * The Civil War Questline DOES NOT have to be completed before or after any other questlines can occur or finish; however, most people suggest not doing the civil war quest until after the main quest is finished to avoid some weird moments in the main quest
 * However, you should do the Civil War questline before you do the quest Season Unending, as it ends the civil war. (*edit: It only postpones it until after you have finished the main quest).