1. Causes of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire

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

3. Heavy taxes to support the army

4. Food shortages- violence tore up the countryside

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

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

7. Army had no loyalty to Rome

8. Political Corruption
More interest in financial gain than public service.

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

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

11. Slavery
Discourages advances in farming

12. Unemployment – too many slaves, not enough jobs

13. 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

14. Lack of Patriotism
Less willingness to sacrifice for Rome.

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

16. Invasions
Germanic tribes and others attack the empire.

17. Increasing attacks on frontier by barbarians

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

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