The United States Will Fall like the Roman Empire

1066 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: How the roman empire collapsed essay

The United States Will Fall like the Roman Empire

What makes a country or empire so powerful? Is it a leader, the military, or even the people? These all do. They make a certain connection due to the success of an empire. You can they’re the “Three Musketeers” of one. The old Roman Empire and the United States have that connection. Both were in great power, had prosperity, and were strong in their own unique ways. But what if the United States falls dramatically—just like the Roman Empire did in 476 AD? What would we do? This fall would not be based on mythical angry gods, but our decisions in life today. The political, military, economic, and social judgments we make present day—believe it or not—are based on our future consequences.

First, problems that the United States may be facing now have ultimately been influenced from political corruption the old Roman Empire had overlooked. Troubles began with the selection of a leader that would lead the empire to victory, wealth, and a “golden age”. Apparently, in Roman times, the emperor would choose who he considered would be a great ruler. Unfortunately, this idea was stupidly ridiculous. In my opinion, the emperor was asking for a death wish. By saying this, I mean those eager for the honor of being next emperor would take madness to the next level. Some would want the position so badly that in order to get to its climax, they’d go so far into murder, even for their loved ones. Twenty-five out of 37 Roman emperors were assassinated because of this foolish system. This contributed to the empires decline. The United States is the strongest country today, yet it is not perfect. However, it is a democracy and power is given to the people. But what happens when a dictator rises and takes control over these citizens and makes an unjust decision such as war? Isn’t that what President George Bush is do in today? Even though we protest and war in Iraq is costing America multi billions and US soldiers, he continues to destruct their territory. And for what? Oil? In Eminem’s words, “no more blood for oil…” Mr. Bush. And what’s this nonsense about these so-called “terrorists”? Have they threatened the Untied States? I think nt. President Bush’s insecure ideas are not only killing innocent people but also affecting us in a negative way and the country itself. This is not a leader America wants to be run by. It’s onl...

... middle of paper ...

...e stupider.

Finally, social causes were the last main reason for the downfall of the Roman Empire. Crime rate bounced off the charts and hit the chains. Rome’s morals and values were unable to balance towards the end and emperors were blamed for misusing money on useless festivities that made people eat and drink until they got sick to their stomach. At the Coliseum, the most popular entertainment area for Romans, gladiatorial combats performed over an over again. It was very amusing and exciting at the same time. The ground would drain in blood and then be covered with a layer of sand for the following contest. It was great for the Romans because anyone was able to attend and probably took the problems in their life off their mind. For social purposes, us Americans like to go to the movies and mall and have lots of fun with our friends. It gives us the time to relax and not worry about family problems or school or what’s going on in the world these days. I’d say the United States has a long way until it comes to a complete fall. But I know in my heart if leaders such as Bush rise to run this country, we are surely in major dilemma and evidently American power will decline.

Show More
Related

  • The Causes Of Rome's Fall

    328 Words  | 1 Pages

    The year is 476 A.D. and the Roman Empire has collapsed after being overthrown by barbarians. Looking back, the causes of Rome’s decline can be separated into four categories, social, economic, military, and political. The social aspects of Rome’s fall are the rise of christianity and civil wars. The rise of christianity displaced Rome’s polytheistic roots which viewed the emperor as having a godly status. Pope and church leaders took an increased role in political affairs which further complicated governance. Civil wars also deteriorated the empire. More than 20 men took the throne in only 75 years and the empire was thrust into chaos. The economic aspects of Rome’s fall were high taxes from the government and labor deficit. The roman empire

    Read More

  • Reasons For The Fall Of The Roman Empire Dbq

    548 Words  | 2 Pages

    The Roman empire was a very large and successful empire, although like many things it had to come to an end. The three primary reasons that had most contributed to Rome's fall is foreign invasions, military weakness , and weak leadership.

    Read More

  • Global Interaction Dbq Analysis

    497 Words  | 1 Pages

    As the United States developed into a world economic power, it also became a military and political power. Certain things led Americans to become more involved in world affairs, such as territorial growth. There were also consequences to the nation’s new role, like conflict between citizens and people of power. United States government and leaders had to learn the “hard way”, the challenges and negativity that they would face, such as loss of money and lack of control between certain nations, and the positive effects such as expansion of territory and alliances.

    Read More

  • The Fall of Rome and America

    2849 Words  | 6 Pages

    In ancient times, there was a country of stupendous power and might. A nation which amassed a military like no other, grew an economy so strong that it seemed everlasting, and established a government that stood for its people. It appeared that this was the country to set an example for all countries that followed. It was the behemoth of prosperity. It was the great Roman Empire. It seemed as though this country’s reign would never end, but this was far from the truth. For with great prosperity came a dreadful plummet and eventually collapse. This was the unfortunate fate of all powerful nations, including that of, dare it be said, the United States of America. The all powerful and unbeatable nation which reigned its dominant influence over the entire world. Surely, it could never have fallen. However, that statement would be considered nonsensical if directed toward the once almighty and all powerful Roman Empire. Thus, it could not be stated for the “Great Experiment” (USA). Which was why the comparison between the two, very similar, superpowers was logical. Clearly, the Roman Empire which had striking parallels to the United States was a foreshadowing of America’s fate: Inevitable collapse. Both superpowers had vastly similar economics, foreign influence, and government, of which, Rome had experienced an unfortunate decline. Thus, comparisons could be made between how Rome and America rose to power, began to lose their power, and eventually, how Rome fell and how America might have fallen.

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Usa And Rome

    727 Words  | 2 Pages

    The United States of America is fast approaching the peak of its existence. Technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and continues to do so and politically the United States is far more advanced than most countries in the world today. The Ancient Roman Empire was also at its peak before coming to a sharp decline, resulting in a fallen world power that to this day is no more than a figment of the past, a shadow that lurks behind the civilizations of today. Per contra, is the United States truly so far apart from this shadow? Or will the same fate come to us sooner than we imagine? Let us examine for a moment just how similar the U.S. and Ancient Rome are to each other, and if the same cataclysmic events that resulted in the fall or Rome could be possible in our own society.

    Read More

  • The Constitution of the Roman Republic

    434 Words  | 1 Pages

    When one takes a closer look into the lives of the Romans, government and all, it would be safe to assume that the life of the Romans were much like the life that is seen in the United States today. The United States has several attributes in comparison to Rome but unlike many other areas around the world. The people of Rome were not oppressed, had a say in certain aspects of the government, had a mighty military and the economy seemed to flourish. All in all it would seem that the life of the Roman Republic was a rather appealing and pleasant one.

    Read More

  • Why Is Rome Important To America

    630 Words  | 2 Pages

    When one thinks of great powerful empires and nations of any time, they would think of Ancient Rome. So how would future nations take what the almighty Roman empire had to build their own successful country? After all, the Romans did eventually fall. This means that nations would have to mimic but not copy their exact steps and acts. It is an ultimate mystery of picking and choosing. However, many of the things Rome did were very important. In the United States of America, we see some direct connections from Ancient Rome. These connections have to do with anything from politics, social living, geography, government, sport, and many more. All in all, America would not be the same if it were not for Roman connections.

    Read More

  • The Current States of America

    932 Words  | 2 Pages

    Most of us know that America is one of, if not the most influential country in today’s world. We’re also the wealthiest and most powerful. But as the Roman and Greek Empires have shown us, such nations usually can’t remain in this position forever. So, assuming this will be our fate, when will it happen? When will we stop being “on top of the world?” Bob Herbert and Alan W. Dowd provide their own answers on the matter.

    Read More

  • The Importance of Gladiator Games

    1758 Words  | 4 Pages

    During the middle and late third century Roman republic era gave rise to the arena games and became a great phenomenon for the Romans. An amphitheater, also known as a coliseum, housed these dangerous games that potentially harmed the audience as well as those who participated in them. Gladiatorial combat originated as part of funerals for deceased influential Romans. These large gladiatorial games were held by emperors during funerals of important roman officials, but were also included during other occasions. Over time the connection among the gladiator games and funerals decreased, and the upper class put on the games mainly to raise their social standing and gain favor with the public. Many politicians held these highly known games to help them sway votes of power and popularity (Meijer 2003, 27). “The arena was the embodiment of the empire.” (Futrell 1997, 209). The contestants, or the gladiators, had more significance of the Roman Empire beyond that as their role of entertainment.

    Read More

  • How Did The Fall Of The Roman Empire

    1488 Words  | 3 Pages

    All empires must come to an end. The Mongols, Ottomans, and Holy Roman Empires all don’t exist anymore. Even, the United Stated of America will come to its end in one point in time. Everything that goes up must come down. Even, Rome, one of the world’s greatest civilizations. To summarize, The Roman Empire fell because of ineffective leaders, the crumbling economy, and invasions by the Germanic Tribes.

    Read More

  • Comparing the Roman Empire and the United States of America

    1290 Words  | 3 Pages

    ... the fall of Rome should be a warning to the United States. In addition, because the domination of the USA happened much faster than Rome, arguably the fall may be much more swift as well.

    Read More

  • The Decline and Fall of Empires

    1115 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the most common causes of the decline of an empire results from having weak military power and martial spirit. In order for an empire to be successful, that empire must present a strong will to fight or sacrifice property and life in order to defend its state. If an empire does not possess this characteristic, it often will quickly diminish. For example, the Roman Empire became successful because of the willingness of the males to defend the state. Shortly after, the males lost their willingness to defend and the empire had to recruit unreliable mercenaries to fight in war. Unlike the successful army of the past, these mercenaries did not have true loyalty to Rome. Because of constant warfare, the Romans had heavy military spending. The Roman Empire had become too large to control effortlessly. Families and soldiers in parts of the Roman Empire adopted local customs. The Roman Empire was made up not only of natives from the Italian peninsula, but it was also made up of barbarians from the conquered lands. The barbarians were very knowledgeable when it came to Roman warfare and military tactics. Corruption became widespread throughout the Em...

    Read More

  • The Fall of The Roman Republic

    878 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ultimately, the Roman Republic’s downfall lay in its lack of major wars or other crises, which led to a void of honor and leadership. War united all of Rome’s people, and provided the challenge to its leaders to develop honor and leadership by their causes and actions. The lack of war allowed the Roman Republic to stagnate and become self-indulgent. By the end of the Punic Wars, which combined these elements, Rome was sure to fail. Without a common thread uniting its society, the Roman Republic unraveled because it had nothing left holding it together.

    Read More

  • World Politics: American Hegemony

    2936 Words  | 6 Pages

    In this paper, I will argue that the current system is hegemonial. My explanation to hegemony will then be centered on the sources of the United States as a hegemonial power. Furthermore, I will state the different primary implications associated with the rise of China and what the Roman Empire offers for understanding the United Sta...

    Read More

  • Octavian Augustus

    1303 Words  | 3 Pages

    The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, was a time of great prosperity for all people under Rome’s rule. Roman citizens enjoyed the spectacles of the gladiators in the coliseum and the comedies performed at the many theatres. The Romans are attributed with the development of concrete, which enabled them to build large structures such as aqueducts. As Rome grew into the primary world leader, it’s Republican government was falling apart. The Senate was ineffective because it had no control of the vast armies that provided power. Conservative Romans who believed strongly in the Republic would immediately target a strong general who took sole control. Rome was in need of a solitary, powerful leader. Octavian skillfully turned himself into an emperor without suffering the fate of his great-uncle, Caesar. He controlled the army, and managed to please the masses. Once in the position of power, he changed the government not only to benefit himself, but also to benefit the Empire and ultimately the people. This structure was so strong, that it could survive through weak emperors such as Caligula and Nero and major problems like who the next emperor should be. Octavian was so influential that eventually the Romans did not care that they were no longer a Republic. They knew that with Octavian, they could become the greatest empire in...

    Read More

More about The United States Will Fall like the Roman Empire

Open Document