Defensive Imperialism Essay

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Can Rome 's action towards Carthage be described as defensive imperialism?
Rome 's action towards Carthage throughout the Punic Wars cannot be considered defensive imperialism, due to the strong military culture, expansionist aims and profit based attitudes of Roman society. Rome demonstrated traditional imperialism by extending their power and influence through means of colonisation and military force. Rome 's objective in the Punic Wars was to strategically subordinate Carthage, to increase their level of influence and improve their position on the world stage. The economic and material gain of war during the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, was a motivating incentive for warfare for the aristocracy. This eagerness was further propelled by the desire …show more content…

Before 294 BC, Rome solely ruled Italy with no overseas possessions. Yet, within 100 years, Rome had possession of the majority of the Mediterranean. The Roman actions that led to this were purposeful and strategic, with a series of small victories equating to their territorial success. This ruled out the argument that their advantageous position was a case of coincidence, but instead a carefully structured timeline of events. Roman imperialism was the process of territorial expansion, not a response to the threat to their power. Many historians have supported the notion of defensive imperialism. Whist it was stated and appears that the decision to aid the Mamertines was based on Roman fear of Carthage expansion (Garland & Dillon, 2005). What Rome didn 't announce, was that Messana was a key city in the complete control of Sicily. This held aspects of defensiveness, but only due to the threat of Carthage to Romes plans of expansion, not to Rome 's power or society. Ameling (2011) has subsequently brought attention to the reality that a Carthaginian garrison in Messana of less than 1000 troops is not …show more content…

In the battle of Mylae, Rome showcased their initiative and offensive strategy in their use of the Raven, to transform the battle from naval to land in accordance with their strengths, gaining valuable advantage. Once Carthage was vulnerable due to military defeat, Rome opportunistically seized Sardinia, revealing their eagerness to expand the Roman empire and steal Carthage 's power. The ultimatum directed at Carthage to hand over Hannibal or face war, was a reflection of their opportunism and hegemony. In yielding, Carthage would have entailed the loss of the entire empire, as the majority of allies and Carthaginians control was bound to the Barcid family (Rosenstein, 2006). Rome recognised this, and took the opportunity to gain territory and oppress Carthage, as the odds of the Second Punic war were very much in Rome 's favour before the alliance of Hannibal and Phillip V of Macedon. This was an offensive move by Rome, as Carthage avoided breaking the treaty until absolutely necessary, to avoid provoking Rome into war. Unfortunately for Carthage, the mighty power was actively waiting for an excuse and immediately seized the warfare opportunity. After their victory of the 2nd Punic War, Rome showcased their attacking characteristics in continuing to enter wars and expand their territory

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