Causes of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Economic Decline Few new sources of wealth Increased taxes to pay for their armies Weakened agriculture

Heavy taxes to support the army

Food shortages- violence tore up the countryside

Coins lost value – made of less precious metals – led to inflation

Disloyal Military Less-disciplined soldiers Allegiance to generals instead of Rome

Army had no loyalty to Rome

Political Corruption More interest in financial gain than public service.

Lack of process for selecting new emperors – caused violent power struggles and power vacuums

Bad emperors – greedy, incompetent, selfish, insane,corrupt Nero Caligula

Slavery Discourages advances in farming

Unemployment – too many slaves, not enough jobs

There were more slaves in Rome than there were Roman citizens Unemployment was a big problem and many people lived off the charity of the government

Lack of Patriotism Less willingness to sacrifice for Rome.

Decline in Roman morals and values – human life not valued, no pride in being Roman citizens

Invasions Germanic tribes and others attack the empire.

Increasing attacks on frontier by barbarians

The Roman Empire became so large that it was hard to control Communication was difficult The borders of the empire were often attacked

Various barbarian groups attacked until Rome was sacked and looted in 476 C.E.