A Civil War?

[Boromir88]

It's been discussed what would have happened if Denethor had lived, would he have succumbed to Aragorn, or started a Civil War. But what about Faramir, if Faramir wasn't so wise do you think he could have summoned a Civil War, one strong enough to beat Aragorn, and stay in power as Steward?

Faramir, was arguably the most loved person in Minas Tirith. Especially Beregond, I think if Faramir was to start a civil war he would have the support from Beregond, and how far would Beregond have been able to sway the people of Minas Tirith? Also, you have Imrahil, who is Faramir's uncle, yet he didn't show any interest in challenging Aragorn's title as "king," he was actually quite happy the king had returned. But, being Faramir's uncle, Imrahil might have just stayed neutral, or even sided with Faramir. And there were still many people not at Minas Tirith during the siege, that might not have heard of Aragorn's "great battle deeds," and have sided with Faramir. So, it comes down to who do the people side with, their beloved, loyal captain Faramir, or this Aragorn who has shone great skill in the battlefield, and as a healer? When it comes down to it, I think Faramir had a much better chance of starting a Civil War then his, fallen Denethor. Luckily, Faramir was wise enough not to challenge the kingship, that's a reason I like him. So, your thoughts...

[Son of Númenor]

To quote the cliché: that's a pretty big 'if'. For if Faramir weren't as wise as he was, he probably wouldn't have been as admired by the people of Gondor. Assuming that Unwise Faramir was equally admired as the Captain of Ithilien we have come to know, however...

If, for some reason, he rebelled against Aragorn's authority, he probably would have succeeded - depending upon what stage the rebellion began. If Faramir decided to rally the people against Aragorn before the latter's coming into Minas Tirith, he probably would have been successful; Gondorians would likely have been easily convinced that Aragorn was no more than a wandering ranger, at most the last remnant of a dead line.

If, however, Faramir began an insurrection against Aragorn's authority after Aragorn had taken the thrown and Sauron was vanquished, it is more likely that he would have failed; King Elessar, who would at this point have been shown to be wise and benevolent (unless this is bizarro-Aragorn, too ), would have the people's favor even over a renowned captain.

*Walks off, imagining Faramir screaming hysterically while pouring oil on a roped-and-bound Aragorn*

*Comes back briefly, to ask, intrepidly, "Is there a point to this conjecture?*

[Gil-Galad]

Imrahil was teh prince of Dol Amroth and had a legitiment call to the throne of gondor, but his faith was with Aragorn from the first time they met... he might stayed neutral but i doubt it, the Sawn knights and himself would be Aragorns elites, Denethor would probaly just die a disgruntled old man... and if you think about it, i know its kinda off topic, but isn't faramir Imrahils nephew? seeing how denethor married Adrahils daughter, sister of Imrahil and Legolas said that Imrahil had elven blood in his veins, so faramir could have elven descent as well!

[Boromir88]

Gil-Galad, yes Faramir does have a bit of Elven-Blood. If I got the names right here, Galador and Mithrellas, founded Dol Amroth. So all descendants of them, would have a bit of Elven-blood. Finduilas, was from Dol Amroth, of course her children being Faramir and Boromir, giving them elven-blood.

[Lachwen]

This is purely nit-picking on my part, but Galador was the son of Mithrellas, not her husband. Imrazôr was her husband. (They also had a daughter, Gilmith, but that isn't really important right now... ) Galador was then the first Prince of Dol Amroth, and we all know the rest of the story.

[Tuor of Gondolin]

About the original question, if Faramir had for some reason (picture him
hearing about PJ's Gandalf assaulting his father ) challenged Aragorn's claim the chances would have been strong for him being successful, or at least
fomenting a significant civil war. Just recall 1) the kinstrife and 2) the rejection by the Council of Gondor of Arvedui's clearly legitimate claim to the throne of Gondor. Of course, Tolkien got around this possibility by killing off Denethor and Boromir and making Faramir a "scholar-warrior" without the drive and ambition to be a king (or PM or president nowadays). And going as far back as Numenor "good" people were repeatedly prone to error, arrogance, etc. However, a big factor in Aragorn's favor, probably more then his leading the Army of the West to the gates of Mordor, would have been his role as "the Liberator of South Gondor."