The Decline and Fall of Ancient Rome A cautionary tale for the U.S.?

The Decline and Fall of Ancient Rome

A cautionary tale for the U.S.?

Overextended Military

Corruption

• Political upheavals from one emperor to the next

• Positions were sold to the highest bidder

Immigration

”Roman government allowed uncontrolled hostile immigration to dissolve the fabric of their civilization. Illegal and legal Immigrants grew more powerful while exercising their own character of their cultures. They did not adopt Roman ways. Second, vast blocks of once Roman lands became foreign held and even the Roman population, once outnumbered, was no match for hostile immigrants.” Reference: “The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and Barbarians,” by Peter Heather.

Declining Population

• Plague• Lead poisoning in water pipes• Birth control

Elimination of the Middle Class & Unemployment

• Use of slavery eliminated small farmers and led to a huge gap between the rich and the poor

Obsession with Entertainment

Appease/entertain the masses instead of fix the problems

“Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions–everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.”

Exporting “Culture”

EnglandNorth Africa

GermanySpain