A dozen years ago, in Skyrim... Yes, the now completely chaotic Skyrim. But Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither were three feet of ice formed in one cold day. The rebellion in Skyrim had a broad social base — people too poor to live.
In the bitter cold lands exist many impassioned and sad figures, and Skyrim is no exception. As the governing region of the northeastern Glorious Empire, Skyrim's people are known for their bravery and warlike nature, valuing promises even unto death, and are deeply rooted in ancestral beliefs. Such people are naturally difficult to rule, making the history of Skyrim's governance one of constant compromise. Sometimes Glorious Empire would send enforcers to oppress harshly, at other times Skyrimers would ascend to positions of power to live and let live. Although there's always been unrest, overall it's been relatively peaceful.
