Transcript document
Poor Government Decisions of America and Rome By Calvin Stanford Overview ► The United States of America could be following in the footsteps of the Roman Empire with its poor governmental decisions. ► This presentation will highlight several key decisions. Roman Decision #1 ► Rome’s policy of “bread and circuses” was one of many poor decisions made by the government. By providing grain and entertainment to the citizens, they hid away any and all problems that faced the Empire. Connections to America ► America’s well fare system and sports mimic the Rome’s “bread and circuses” by providing food to the needy and entertainment to the masses. This also hides certain problems. Roman Decision #2 ► Rome’s decision of spreading the military all across the empire instead of keeping it at home in case of a crisis made it much easier for the Germanic tribes, Huns, and peasant revolts to cripple the empire. Connections to America ► America’s decision to send troops to Iraq and Afghanistan and other parts of the world has weakened the defenses in America itself as well as heavily taxed the citizens. Roman Decision #3 ► Roman emperor Diocletian’s decision to split the empire in two further weakened the empire by dividing the power between two rulers. Connections to America ► It is possible that dividing America into 50 separate states has weakened its resolve. Roman Decision #4 ► Emperor Constantine’s decision to set up a second capital drastically weakened the Western Roman Empire, which was then destroyed. Connections To America ► There is no connection between American decisions and this particular Roman decision. Sources "Nero (37-68)." DISCovering World History. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. Student Resource Center - Bronze. Gale. Scarborough High School Library. 31 Mar. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/srcx/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type=retrieve&tab ID=T001&prodId=SRC3&docId=EJ2105101285&source=gale&srcprod=SRCS&userGroupName=scarboroug h_hs&version=1.0>. "Constantine (285 A.D.-337 A.D.)." Ancient Civilizations Reference Library. Ed. Judson Knight. Detroit: U*X*L, 2000. Student Resource Center - Bronze. Gale. Scarborough High School Library. 31 Mar. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/srcx/infomark.do?&contentSet=GSRC&type= retrieve&tabID=T001&prodId=SRC3&docId=EJ2173110049&source=gale&srcprod=SRCS&userGroupName =scarborough_hs&version=1.0>.