It is usually expressed with the truism that "polities have enough money to raise an army, but not enough to pay them." Signing bonus and regular pay are different things
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Soldiers are also the only workers I know of (the only in society?) who are paid whether or not they are working at the time, so the outlay must be consistent to function. Early modern governments aren't there yet
sep 1, 2025, 9:25 am • 1 0 • view
The attempt to get there generates modern society, but largely as a byproduct
sep 1, 2025, 9:26 am • 1 0 • view
You and I are the side effect. The main point is military finance.
sep 1, 2025, 9:26 am • 1 0 • view