Fall of the Republic
What was the problem between the rich and the poor?
Patricians (Rich landowners) at this time ran the senate, controlled its finances, and directed its wars. Farmers during this time were falling into poverty because and debt because some were unable to farm because they were fighting in Rome's wars and others had suffered damage when Hannibal invaded Rome. Wealthy people bought large estates and used slaves to tend to them, which enabled them to force smaller farmers out of business. They then went to the cities to find jobs but could not get any and if they did they were low wage jobs, which created anger. Roman politicians then began providing "bread and circuses" which helped many rulers come to power.
Why did the army enter politics?
Until then the army usually stayed out of government laws but a new military leader Marius became a consul. Normally soldiers were owners of small farms but now since the farms were disappearing Marius recruited from the poor. In return he promised them land, and now the army was Professional soldiers. Soldiers were now only loyal to their general instead of the Republic. This gave generals alot of influence and allowed them to be involved in politics. They needed laws to be passed so they could give the land to the soldiers they promised land for. It was not long until Marius faced conflict with a rival general within his own army which was Sulla. Sulla drove his enemys out of Rome and made himself Dictator. He weakened the council of the Plebs and strengthed the senate. He then stepped down from office and then Rome plunged into an era of Civil wars.
How did Julius Caesar become famous?
Julius Caesar started off as a ruler along with Pompey and Crassus. They formed the First Triumurate to rule rome which is an alliance of 3 people. Each of these 3 rulers ruled a remote part of Rome. Pompey was in spain, Crassus was in Syria, and Caesar in Gaul (France). While Caesar was in Gaul he invaded Britain and won battle after battle and became a hero with Rome's lower classes. Crassus was then killed in battle and Pompey was made the ruler of all of Rome because they feared Julius was becoming to popular. The senate ordered Caesar to come home and abandon his soldiers, but he decided to hold on to his soldiers and march into Rome. Caesar marched into Rome by crossing the Rubicon river and started a Civil war. Caesar drove Pompey's army back into Italy and destroyed his army.
What type of ruler was Julius Caesar?
After Caesar had destroyed Pompey's army he declared himself dictator for life. To strengthen his power Caesar filled the senate with new members who were loyal to him. He then gave citizenship to people in Rome's territories. He started to make new colonies to provide land for the landless and created work for the jobless. He also ordered to hire more free workers instead of slaves. All of this made Caesar very popular with the poor. He also developed the calendar that was developed into our modern calendar (Julian Calendar). He had supporters who thought he brought peace but he also had enemies who thought he wanted to be king. These opponent, who were led by senators Brutus and Cassius plotted to kill him. They surrounded him and stabbed him 27 times.
How did Rome become an empire?
After caesar died rome plunged into another civil war, on one side was the people that killed caesar and on the other side was his supporters. Octavian, Caesars nephew inherited Caesars wealth and defeated Caesars assassins and formed the 2nd triumvirate with 2 generals Antony and Lepidus. But they began arguing at once and Lepidus retired from politics. Antony and Octavian divided rome. Octavian took the west and Antony took the east. In short order the came in conflict. Antony then fell in love with Cleopatra VII an made a alliance with Egypt. Octavian declared war on Antony and crushed his army. Antony and Cleopatra fled rome to Egypt. A year later Octavian closed in on them and they killed themselves. Octavian then laid the foundation for the Roman Empire.
Who was Augustus?
Ocatavian resisted the urge to become dictator for life because he knew people wanted a democratic for of government. One of them was Cicero, a political leader, writer, and Rome's greatest public speaker. Cicero wanted a Republican form of government and his books and speeches swayed many Romans too. Ciceros writings influenced the writers of the United States Constitution. Octavian really put himself in power and gave some power to the senate. His title was Imperator which translates to "commander in chief" but it came to Emperor. Octavian also took the title of Augustus. He was known by the name, Augustus Caesar.