Reason for declaring war

[Napo981]

For all era : the classic reasons : ressources, expansion

Early:
1) wiping out a close civ to ASSURE a decent expansion in the future.

Middle :
1) helping another nation, reinforce links
2) harass nations ahead of me, via pillaging or only via distraction

Late: same as middle plus
1) disturbing civs going for cultural, space race wins, specially with harassing their costal cities with combined units tactic or nuke .

 

[bobsteve]

I declare war for only 3 reasons:
#1 I can manage their land and cities better than they can, so for the good of the people....

#2 I want to test out some new toys I've had sitting around my citties builiding up.

#3 Im to cheap to pay for what I can take from them through force (food, gems ect)
Remember: WAR = We Are Right. Dont argue with me.

 

[Rameau's Nephew]

I'm a pretty peaceful player, so I don't declare war a lot. But one reason that I have attacked several times hasn't been mentioned here: I share a border with Montezuma.

You know Monte's going to come at you sooner or later, so it makes sense to force the issue at a time of your choosing.

 

[Panth]

At what point or for whatever reason do you declare war during the early, middle and late games?

1. Because I can.
2. Because there are people, places, and things out there which are not mine.

 

[Psycho Mantis]

Then theres my favorite reason:

No reason at all.

 

[petey]

1) Somebody is too close to you
2) Somebody has something you want
3) You've played for five turns without attacking someone and have gotten bored
4) The AI is about to win anyways, so you may as well just drop nukes on everyone

 

[Zhahz]

To get cities or resources or to prevent an AI from winning via space race (since that's all they seem to ever do).

 

[Sisonpyh]

Because I can.

 

[jazwana]

early: expansion, worker grab or my warrior passes the mongol scout at turn 4 and i blunder into his undefended capitol.

middle: Either i've been attacked and need to push back a few cities to secure my core ones or i've got a decent tech/resource advantage and need to leverage it.

late: I scoff at cultural, diplomatic and space race victories. Give me domination or give me death!

 

[Nightfa11]

Hmmm, let's see.

How about a top 10....

10. Them thar resources you got are lookin' mighty fine.....

9. Friends, romans, countrymen, lend me your cities

8. Klytus, I'm bored, what plaything can you offer me today

7. Why look, it's an early worker near your border. Thank you!

6. Tiny dual map with 10+ civs. Nuff said.

5. Will pillage for gold.

4. They were breathing my air. What else could I do?

3. The voices told me to. I always listen to the voices.

2. This continent isn't big enough for the two of us

and the number one reason for declaring war...

1. I'm an American. It's what we do.

 

[tigerden27]

Early
- There's another Civ on MY Continent
- There's another city near MY land.
- I've got Iron/Horses and they don't. (or vice versa)

Middle
- There better not be another Civ on MY CONTINENT, GOOD DARN IT!
- You demanded tribute from ME!
- I've got Gunpowder/Oil and they don't. (or vice versa)

Late
- There is a continent without one of MY cities on it.
- Gotta do something with those Battleships.
- I've got Flight/Aluminum and they don't. (or vice versa)

End Game
- I need to "buy" some votes for the UN.
- You are building the WHAT!?!?!?, already?
- Not another "End Turn press Enter"

 

[deKoven]

My reason? Their leader ticked me off with some outrageous demand, like "Open Borders" for sure. Like I'm gonna allow some wank wandering around my civ.

 

[Mmmm Butter]

I declared war on Montezuma to beat his scout to a goody hut.

 

[Qpdaj]

This made me chuckle.

As for me:

Early:
-Unfounded paranoia
-Regular paranoia
-They had the misfortune of starting next to me
Middle:
-To punish them for not complying with my every command and whim
-I'm bored
-Stupid Isabella, you go dead now!
-More paranoia
Late:
-To distract public attention away from my poor performance as leader
-Gotta nuke something.

I've enjoyed this entire thread immensely, but that was by far my favorite list. Good show!

Edit: Though, the declaring war to get a goody hut is pretty good, also.

 

[chewbaccad]

Early:
To crush my enemies...
Mid:
To see them driven before me...
Late:
To hear the lamentations of their women...