User blog comment:Fimmion/Why Skyrim was rigged from the start/@comment-5135631-20120630145923/@comment-1080767-20120630210943

If Cyrodiil didn't sign the treaty, the Thalmor would've torn through and invaded Skyrim. The Imperials didn't have much of an army anymore at that point. They had to agree to the terms of the White-Gold Concordat or else the unity of all men and mer against the Thalmor could potentially perish. The Empire has found a few fair-weather friends that have abandoned them, and Hammerfell has also had to secede. If Skyrim pursues this same path, then Cyrodiil might as well be invaded. Both the Thalmor and the Empire intend to continue the war, and whoever can build up an army first will win. Undoubtedly, the Empire would need Skyrim.