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WHI.6E
**DECLINE OF THE REPUBLIC**
How did military conquests alter economic and social life in Rome?
Why did the Roman Republic fail to survive challenges by Julius Caesar?
WHI.6E
Causes for the decline of the Roman Republic
 Spread of slavery in the agricultural system
 Migration of small farmers into cities and unemployment
 Civil war over the power of Julius Caesar
 Devaluation of Roman currency; inflation
WHI.6f
The Emergence of Imperial Rome
The Roman Republic, in the face of changing social and economic conditions, succumbed to
civil war and was replaced by an imperial regime, the Roman Empire.
Julius Caesar
 Came from a “well-to-do” family
 Distinguished military & political careers
 Held several important govt. positions (including consul & First Triumvirate)
 Conquered Gaul & Britain (excellent military leader)
 Very popular among the people of Rome
 Senate HATED him because he was “stealing” their power
 Assassinated March 15, 44 B.C. by 20+ stab wounds (killed by Senators)
The Public’s Reaction!
Newspapers of Rome give different opinions about the murder…
The Roman Times
“A Great loss”
Julius Caesar, conqueror of Gaul and Britannia has been murdered. No longer can Rome call
upon her greatest son to lead us to more victories and further glory. This day shall long be
remembered as one of the saddest in Rome's Glorious history.
The Daily Parchment
“New Hope”
Rome has been given a new hope of lasting peace and democracy following t he brave
actions of an unknown killer . Julius Caesar 's plans to become king have finally been
stopped by t he courageous act of t hi s unknown activist . No longer will Romans have t o
wake in f ear of another tyranny, Rome is once again free t o be ruled by the Senate and can
again look brightly towards her future.
WHI.6f
The Origin and Evolution of Imperial Rome
1. First triumvirate: Caesar, Crassus, & Pompey
2. Julius Caesar: his seizure of power and assassination.
3.Augustus Caesar also known as Octavian was Rome’s first emperor! He led Rome through
its civil war and also defeated Marc Antony
4.The Empire: unified and enlarged; use of imperial authority and the military
5.**Failure to provide for peaceful succession of emperors
Antony
vs. Octavian (Augustus Caesar)
Antony
 Disliked Octavian so he spent his time in the East
 Married Octavian's sister but lived with Cleopatra in Egypt; had several children
 Committed suicide along with Cleopatra after being defeated (or died from battle
wounds???)
Octavian (Augustus Caesar)
 Caesar’s nephew and chosen heir
 Used Antony's affair with Cleopatra to turn Senate against him
 Became Rome's 1st emperor
The Pax Romana-.6g
 Following Augustus Caesar, the Roman Empire enjoyed 200 years of peace and
prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Lead to…
 Expansion and solidification of the Roman Empire, particularly in the
Near East
Economic Impact of Pax Romana
 Established a uniform system of currency which helped to expand trade
 Guaranteed safe travel and trade on Roman roads
 Promoted prosperity and stability
Social Impact of Pax Romana
 Returned stability to social classes
 Increased emphasis on family
Political Impact of Pax Romana
 Created a civil service
 Developed a uniform rule of law