The small fiercely independent city states of Ancient Greece, had mostly evolved from local monarchies that had been overthrown. Once the Greeks had achieved Independence, through militaristic action, they were all extremely martial. The Greeks were viciously militaristic, first out of necessity to survive, then out of lust for glory and to maintain a sense of security. Like the Ancient Greeks the early American colonists first fought to survive, then many years later to expand and to further our own influence and power. The Democratic Americans defeated the greatest nation on the planet though determination and purpose; the classical Greeks defeated the Persian Empire which was the greatest nation of the day through the same determination and cleverness as the early Americans had done.
In later years the Athenians, as well as the Spartans, were rather "gung ho" to dive head long into the Peloponnesian war. Just as the Union and confederate armies were eager to tare each other apart, in the American civil war. Does democracy in it self make people fond of conflict?
( all miniatures are 28mm foundry greek miniatures)
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I think the fundamental drawback of democracy is that there will always be a disappointed minority.
Even without trying to, the concept of democracy carries an inherent sense of conflict between the parties involved - someone will always win, and someone will always lose.
This can certainly cause friction between different factions, but I feel that the conflict itself is dependent on human nature rather than a form of government.
Regardless of how we are organised, there will always be some kind of conflict - the most democracy (or another form of government) can do is emphasise something that is already there.
P.S.: I WANT THOSE FIGURINES SO MUCH.
Not accoridnging to the "democratic peace theiry" - almso known glibly as the McDonalds war theory - that is, countries that have McDonalds dont go to war against ecahother.
But that is a contemporary theory. Perhaps the Ancient Greeks were forced more often to fight for thier beliefs as they were the minority?
Excellent painting as ever. I don't know whether looking here will make me try harder with my painting or give up:)
Greek democracy was different from the representative democracy that we have today. Instead of electing representatives, the Greek citizens assembled in a field and voted after listening to speeches by leading citizens. Votes could be on anything and weren't constrained by the law or any of the other checks and balances that we have today. The results of these votes were often emotional and short sighted.
It would be great if you could let us know which manufacturer made these figures.
Does democracy in it self make people fond of conflict?
Humanity itself does. We're tribal, and whether it's on political, economic, racial, religious lines, someone eventually is going to want to smack someone else in the head. It's inevitable.
The results of these votes were often emotional and short sighted. As opposed to today, where all votes are rationally thought out. :)
Great post my friend!
Here's a thought...
You should create short stop motion films with your models complete with your own documentaries. Then put them on YouTube for all to see on your Blog! That would be really cool...a lot of work...but really cool!
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