The Breakdown of the Roman Republic

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The Breakdown of the Roman Republic
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QuestionWhat caused the Republic to break
down, and become ruled by an emperor?
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What caused the Republic to break down, and
become ruled by an emperor?

• Plebeians were unhappy with the laws and
  government. They pressured the government to
  make laws that were fair to them.

• The Senators were patricians and had made laws
  that favored patricians.

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• Even some Senators wanted laws to help the
  plebeians. (Gracchus brothers)

• The struggle between plebeians and patricians
  made the senate weak.

• The Punic Wars forced people into over-crowded
  cities the wealthy patricians took over land for
  themselves.
• (Latifundias large estates)

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• Military leaders were able to take over, and they
  ignored laws by taking b ack-to-back terms as
  consuls.

• Struggles between military leaders led to a weak
  government.

• The First Triumvirate was a leadership of 3
  military leaders who all wanted to rule. The
  idea of 3 leaders went against centuries of law
  with 2 elected consuls!
• further weakened government.

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• The Romans were ready for ONE strong leader who
  would bring PEACE.

• Julius Caesar brought peace, so he was welcomed
  as a dictator, but after his death, Rome was
  again facing years of civil wars. (Second
  Triumvirate Octavian, Marc Antony, Lepidus)

• The Romans were again ready for ONE strong
  leader who would bring about PEACE.
• They accepted an Emperor!!!!!

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