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Political Reasons for the Fall of the Republic


CrypticRyder

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I may be misreading your question but it reads like you have posted a class essay topic.

 

If this is the case you may find it best to start by reading the section of the site which covers the Fall of the Roman Republic and then come back with any specific questions on areas you are uncertain about or if you need to ask about references for further reading.

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How did Caesar cause the political change from Republicanism to Imperialism?

 

-What did he introduce to weaken Republicanism!?

Strictly speaking he didn't introduce anything but instead achieved an existing role which was made his permianently due to his popularity with the common people. Because Caesar had become 'Dictator-For-Life' Suetonius declares him the first 'emperor' of Rome, or more accurately, that he was the prototype for the 'Caesars' that followed in that they too were esssentially dictators-For-Life. Previously in the Republic the post of Dictator was a temporary executive commander sworn in for six months or until the emergency had been resolved. It was not a permanent post before Julius Caesar obtained it and only normally assigned in times of danger to Rome, when it was clear that absolute command was advantageous over the usual more protective semi-democracy Rome ordinarily practised.

 

-How did this affect the people of Rome?!

Other than to accustom people to populist autocracy the effect on the lower classes was marginal. For them life went on whoever was in charge. For the senatorial classes it meant that their former privilege of power was eroded, and as a result would eventually erode further, reducing the emphasis on public duty and ambition beyond self-interest.

 

-How did it affect the military?!

It didn't. Although Caesars successor, Augustus, undertook reforms of the legions and attempted to impose political control over the legions as part of the First Citizens role, with partial success.

 

-How did it affect the economy?!

I'm not aware that the economy was overly afflicted. However, it does remain an observable record that industry in the empire prospered to its maximum in the century following Caesars reign.

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