U.S. Fall Like The Roman Empire example essay topic

1,141 words
"Will the United States 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 only a matter of time when he will be overthrown by the people, just like the Roman Empire, which brings me to my next cause of downfall. Second, military purposes played another part in decay. Foreign invasions were a nightmare to the Roman Empire. People of barbaric descent constantly fought for their area, destroying precious buildings and decreasing prosperity.

Government expenses were immense and took great effort to raise. The spending affected the craftsmanship of public housing and aqueducts. Citizens grew tried of defending their home simply because they worked hard and the money they earned was taken away by the government. As a result, the Roman government hired soldiers to fight for them and in return they would be paid.

These were called mercenaries, yet they were unemployed people or foreigners, which was unfortunate because that meant they fought against their own people and he wasn't something to be proud of. Not only was it undependable, but this group of army didn't come cheap. Emperors were forced to raise taxes and eventually Romans would revolt. Americans are unhappy about the war in Iraq today and they are protesting to send out their message of what President Bush is doing is wrong. Their taxes are also increasing, which makes us angry.

Third, the Roman Empire continued to decline because of economic reasons. Corrupt officials replaced loyal ones and raised taxes drastically. Self-interest and luxury was all that mattered to these dim-witted leaders and the middle-class (the merchants, laborers, artisans, and teachers) suffered for this. Gold was less efficient since emperors spent most of it on themselves, making coins less valuable and worthless. Everyone in the middle-class was going broke. Those in this class sunk to poverty and the poor became poorer.

On the other hand, those who were filthy rich stayed stinking filthy rich. In this case, there was no middle-class. Their taxes were paid in goods they sold and life was a living hell. Today in the United States the high-class is the wealthy and all-you-can-talk-about class, middle-class is the working class, and the low-class is the unemployed, poor, drunk, and crack heads. Because Bush is out relaxing in his White House playing some golf, concentrating on appearing on TV and making unreasonable judgments about war we are the ones who suffer.

Now he has raised taxes to support a war we didn't even want in the first place and everyone is worrying about their house, job, and family. The last thing they need to worry about is a war. I guess stupidity runs in the family, accept the younger are 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.