Rise of the Roman Empire World History I Mr. Mears

Main Idea ► The Roman Republic, in the face of changing social and economic conditions, fell to civil war and was replaced by an imperial regime, the Roman Empire. The creation of the Empire transformed Roman government, society, economy, and culture.

Background ► Rome grew rapidly, bringing political, economic, and social changes. Some leaders attempted reforms, but the republican government was unable to deal with the problems caused by these changes. The republic would soon collapse.

Causes for the Collapse of the Republic ► Slaves were forced to work the land ► Small farmers could not compete with the slaves and had to move to cities ► Cities became overcrowded ► Social class tensions grew between the rich (patricians) and the poor (plebeians)

Causes for Collapse ► Roman agriculture was organized into large farms called latifundias. Many conquered peoples were forced into slavery by the Romans. At the height of the republic, one- third of the Roman population were slaves.

Causes for Collapse ► With the abundance of slavery and latifundias, small farmers could not compete. They became homeless and jobless. The small farmers created a new social class called the (Proletariat) and moved to cities.

Causes for Collapse ► As a result of thousands of small farmers migrating to cities, they soon became overcrowded.  Little housing  Unsanitary conditions conditions  Rise in crime

Causes for Collapse ► Social class tensions soon grew between the rich (patricians) and the poor (plebeians, proletariat, slaves). The lower classes reacted violently and demanded political change.

Causes for Collapse

Early Roman Reforms ► Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus were two brothers who attempted to bring reform (change) to help Rome’s poor. They were the grandsons of the Roman military hero Scipio.

Early Roman Reforms ► The brothers attempted to reduce the size of latifundias and give land to the poor. Seen as a threat to the Senate and patricians, Tiberius and Gaius were killed by senators. This action resulted in a civil war, engulfing the republic.

The First Triumvirate ► In 60 BCE, two military generals named Julius Caesar and Pompey joined with a wealthy Roman, Crassus, to help bring order and stability to Rome for the next 10 years. With the help of Pompey and Crassus, Julius Caesar was elected consul in 59 BCE.

Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar ► After serving as consul, Julius Caesar conquers and rules Gaul, adding to Roman territory. Caesar’s popularity and ambition eventually led to crisis. Pompey feared the power of Julius Caesar and his desire for more power. He is ordered to disband his legion and return home.

Julius Caesar ► In 49 BCE, Caesar defied the government order and led his troops across the Rubicon River, heading to Rome. A bloody civil war erupted, as Pompey’s army was defeated by Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar ► In 46 BCE, the Senate appoints Caesar as dictator. By 44 BCE, he becomes dictator for life.

Julius Caesar ► Started the following reforms  Grant Roman citizenship to provinces  Helped create jobs for poor  Increase pay for soldiers

The Ides of March ► The popularity of Julius Caesar troubled the Senate. 23 Senators, including Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius plotted his assassination. On March 15, 44 BCE, Caesar was stabbed to death in the Senate Chamber.

The Death of Julius Caesar

End of the Republic ► Another civil war broke out as a result and Julius Caesar’s death marked the end of the Roman Republic.