zlacker

This is actually an argument for why an armed populace isn't necessary to defeat oppressive regimes; ultimately the rebels are armed by other interested nations (see: Syria, Libya, Afghanistan).

The US would still be under British rule if it weren't for the support of the French government during the American Revolution. It was not the muskets of American farmers which won that war (though they helped); it was a fleet of French ships, 6,000 French soldiers, a steady supply of French gunpowder and muskets, and approximately $13B (in today's dollars) of direct aid from the French--more if you count French defense spending.