twenty-seven years and one million words
I think it's really amazing that they're able to use DNA and archaeology to work out the history of ancient peoples with fair confidence these days. The 10,000 year civilization that lived in Berengia during the last glacial period and then colonized the Americas in a relative twinkling is just amazing.
Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.