from republic to empire sol 6e,f causes of roman republic collapse causes for the decline of the...
TRANSCRIPT
From Republic to Empire
SOL 6e,f
Causes of Roman Republic Collapse
• Causes for the decline of the Roman Republic• Spread of slavery in the agricultural system• Migration of small farmers into cities and
unemployment• Civil war over the power of Julius Caesar• Devaluation of Roman currency; inflation
More than Rome can Chew• Military conquests abroad– negative
impact on Rome• Roman republic created for an city, not
an empire• Wealthy Romans establish farming
estates in provinces• Large Roman territory is a drain on
resources• Roman military is needed in other places• Rome’s wealth depleting
The Republic Collapses• Economic Problems– Gap between rich and poor widens as Roman
Republic expands– Farmers and former soldiers lose jobs/land to large
estates (use of slaves) and become homeless/unemployed
– Homeless/unemployed move into the city and rely on the government to support them
– Devaluation of Roman currency leads to inflation
The Republic Collapses
• Economic Problems– Two tribunes, Tiberius and Gaius, try to help the
poor, but are murdered by Senate-supported mob– Civil war—conflict between groups within the same
country breaks out between rich and poor
The Republic Collapses
• Military Weakens– Military becomes less disciplined and disloyal.– Soldiers recruited from the poor; show loyalty
only to their generals
Republic to Empire• Julius Caesar Takes Control–Military leader Julius Caesar is elected consul in
59 B.C.–Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey form a
Triumvirate—a group of three leaders.–Military victories give Caesar increasing
popularity and power. (Crassus killed in battle)–Pompey fears Caesar’s growing power and
challenges him.–Caesar defeats Pompey’s armies in Greece,
Asia, Spain, and Egypt–Caesar is named dictator for life in 44 B.C.
Republic to Empire
• Caesar’s Reforms– Caesar makes reforms: grants wider citizenship,
creates jobs for the poor, gives land to former soldiers, increases number of Senate members
– Group of senators opposes Caesar and murders him on March 15, 44 B.C.
Republic to Empire• Beginning of the Empire– 43 B.C. Caesar’s supporters take control; become
Second Triumvirate– Octavian Caesar, Mark Antony, Marcus Lepidus
alliance ends in jealousy and violence– Octavian forces Lepidus to retire, uses rumors of
Marc Antony’s relationship to stir anger of Romans– In 31 B.C. Marc Antony and Cleopatra’s forces are
defeated by Octavian at Actium– Octavian accepts title of Augustus, “exalted one,” and
rules Rome, becomes first Emperor of Rome
Republic to Empire
• Empire: Unified and enlarged, using imperial authority and the military
• Failure to provide for peaceful succession of Emperors