Any side is actually understandable once you dig into their history and listen to what they have to say. Even the Thalmor. Agreeing is another case.

I think the Stormcloaks are better to side with. I gotta.

The empire fought a war against an opponent it wasn’t ready for (or expecting to be fair). They then signed a treaty to end the bloodshed. Sort of. That’s the biggest issue, the terms of that treaty.

Let’s make a real world analogy. I live in the US so that’s what I’ll be using.

Say the United States(Empire) goes to war with, I don’t know, Russia(Thalmor), that’s an easy example.

So say Russia really hates either our secret service, or our special forces in the military. Either one works pretty good. (Blades)

They start the war by demanding we disband the Navy SEALs. We refuse, and they then show us the corpses of all the SEALs that were operating outside the country. We get pissed, go to war. The war is not successful really for either side, after years and years and a lot of bloodshed and sacrifice from both sides, a treaty is signed.

This treaty puts and end to the war for now, but part of what the US agrees to is that the Navy SEALs are disbanded now. **Oh and Russia has the authority to patrol and enter the US at will and hunt down and execute any previous member of the SEALs. Even at their home, where they are living peacefully.**

**Oh, and Russia also hates Mormons(Talos Worship). And forced the US to outlaw the Mormon faith. And has the authority to hunt down and murder US citizens who follow the doctrines. Again even in their homes where they lie peacefully. No trials. No jail. *DEATH* **

So, say Texas(Stormcloaks) sees all this, and declares, nah fuck this shit, no country worth following agrees to letting its citizens be freely butchered in their homes by an enemy of the state during ‘peace times’. We, Texas, are out of this shit. We’d rather govern ourselves and die fighting free and honorable men than be part of this alliance of cowards and pussies. The government(Empire) is no longer fit to rule if these are things they agree to and simply let happen. This is bullshit, fuck you all.

Just on principle. Even if it’s the wrong decision for the future of the empire and it’s people. I have to stand with the Stormcloaks. If the empire crumbles, they should have been stronger. They should have been more principled and honorable. They shouldn’t have agreed to those atrocities to prevent more fighting. It’s simply unacceptable. Let change sweep the world if these are the people in charge.

Fuck. That. Shit. Make your stand. You simply don’t get to make those terrible decisions and remain in charge. You deserve to fall.