Chapter 3: Lessons from the second wave

If there is anything to be learned from the second-wave civilizations (and there is), it is about over-extension and the benefits of equality to the empire. Of course every civilization is different. If there were not lessons to be learned from history, all the military strategists in the world would not be wasting their time. I don’t think they’re just nostalgic or curious about their roots. 

So, let’s talk empire building. China, Rome, Greece, Persia, Macedonia, they all did it. Until recently, a lot of places kept doing it. If you want some good examples look at Africa. Germany stole Tanzania, Italy had Somalia, France did a number or Rwanda. I don’t think we even need to talk about England and South Africa (I’m making a cringing face, but you can’t see it). 

Side note: Everywhere France colonized had just a terrible time. If there was a Yelp for colonizers, France would only have the nastiest reviews. Imagine what Vietnam said about them…

First, let’s talk about the benefits of what we’ll count as equality in the Greek city-states, and in particular Athens. Over time, more and more men earned the right to speak and vote in the assembly. We’re still talking about a second wave civilization here, so let’s not get carried away. Obviously if you were a woman, a slave, or a foreigner you could not be a part of this direct democracy. This was still a big leap forward. In Athens, politicians were paid so even the poorest citizen could hold office. This empowered the people. Now, let’s cut to The Greco-Persian Wars! 

The Athenians having an incredible navy kicked off the circumstances that allowed them to unify the Greeks for this time and lead them to victory against the Persians. I like to think that it was the higher level of equality that motivated the Athenian citizens to fight for their land. After their victory, they were sweetly rewarded with even more rights to full citizenship. 

Why does this matter to us? America is engaged in the longest sustained war in its history. If our government’s war pigs want to keep treating the Millienials and now Gen Z like we’re in a Black Sabbath song, they had better get civil rights under control in America. Otherwise, what are people fighting to protect?

Alright, back to Athens. The Athenians were so emboldened by their victory over the Persians that they decided why not rule all the Greeks? What could possibly go wrong? Why not subjugate Sparta? They overreached! And in came the Macedonians. We all know what happened with the Macedonians. They overreached too, leaving a trail of gorgeous people. The first time I went to Afghanistan I was struck by the beauty of the people. They call them Alexandrian Afghans. They have sandy blonde hair, red hair, and shades of brown with shining green and blue eyes. Think Sharbat Gul on the cover of National Geographic. 

Back on topic here. America might not be trying to take land and keep it overseas, but they are certainly spreading their military thin. I feel like our NATO partners are much more cognizant of this. Since Obama, America has been trying to pull the military back in. They’ve been gripped by this Empire that has been the death of so many others.