The Fall of the Republic
What was the problem between the rich and poor?
In Rome rich landowners controlled the senate, handled Rome's finances, and directed its wars. Many of the Plebeians became unhappy with the situation. Farmers were slowly sinking into poverty and debt since they were unable to farm because they were fighting in Rome's wars. Others farms were damaged due to Hannibal's invasion. Also small farm owners could not compete with wealthy Romans who were buying land to create large farming estates. These landowners used a new source of power, the thousands of prisoners brought to Italy by the wars. By using these prisoners wealthy landowner were able to force small farms out of business.Unable to pay off their debt farmers sold their land and headed to to the city to look for jobs. But jobs were hard to find considering enslaved people did most of the work. If they were lucky enough to find jobs they were paid with low wages, and this angered many people. Many Roman politicians were afraid that riots would break out. So they decided to use the situation their advantage and win the votes of the poor, so they started a policy that provided them with bread and entertainment.
Why did the army enter politics?
Matter did not get any better when the army got involved in politics in fact they got worse. When a military leader named Marius became consul he began recruiting soldiers from the poor, in return for their service he paid them wages and promised them land. Marius changed the Roman army from citizen volunteers to professional soldiers. However the new troop felt loyal to their general not the republic. This gave generals a great deal of influence and a good reason to become involved in politics. They needed to get laws passed that allowed them to provide the land they promised their soldiers.
How did Julius Caesar become famous?
Julius Caesar was apart a political alliance with Pompey and Crassus, known as the first triumvirate. Each member had military command in a remote area in the Republic, and Julius Caesar was in Gaul. While in Gaul, Caesar battled foreign tribes and invaded Britain. He became a hero to Rome's lower classes, this scared Senators back in Rome, they feared that he would seize power like Sulla.
What type of ruler was Julius Caesar?
In 44 BCE Julius Caesar declared himself Dictator for Life, to strengthen his power Caesar filled the Senate with new members who loyal to him.
How did Rome become an empire?
After the death of Julius Caesar another civil war began, there were two sides to this war. On one side were the men that killed Caesar, and on the other side was Caesar's grandnephew Octavian, and two of Caesars top generals, Antony and Lepidus. After these defeating Caesar's killers these men became the second triumvirate.
Who was Augustus?
Octavian knew that many people wanted a democratic form of government, including Cicero, a political leader. Cicero supported Octavian and hoped that he would one day he would restore that republic. In 27 BCE Octavian announced that he was going to do just that. Even though Octavian gave power to the Senate he really put himself in charge. He became the Emperor of Rome, he also took the title of Augustus which meant "the revered majestic one." From this point on, he was known by the name, Augustus Caesar.