Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-72.74.78.209-20141019230536/@comment-9212235-20141023160805

They only have one difference, the worship of Talos. If the Empire gives the worship of Talos, war. If the don't, war. The Stormcloaks are a smaller threat. Even if the Empire loses, they've won in the long run comparatively.

On to your questions/points, here's some counter points.

1. The Imperial army was also destroyed. The Emperor knew, even though the Dominion had no army in Cyrodiil, they could potentially provide reinforcements.

2. He used his Thu'um to shout him apart. It's not exactly a civil win. It may be ok for Skyrim, But blowing a man to bits is a bit barbaric.

3. Every single book in TES is written from someone's personal view. None of them are 100% fact.

4. To some, remaining complacent in the face of evil is as bad as being evil. Side note, dunmer haven't owned slaves in over 200 years. If they're slave owners now, then so are current Americans, Brazillians, and other counties.

5. The Empire has a treaty with the Thalmor. The Empire supports the treaty. That's like saying that Nazi Germany supported the Allies after they surrendered.

6. The culture of Skyrim is unique and some would consider it barbaric. Ulfric is a rebel and betrayed the Empire. As you said, many of the Stormcloaks are ex-Imperial soldiers. They're rebels too. Rebels are bad for business. The Imperial soldiers don't like them mostly because of that.