The Fall of The Roman Empire

1. What were the causes of each condition that led to the fall of the Roman Empire? 

1. Disruption of trade: Hostile tribes outside of the boundaries of the empire interfered with the trade.
2. Gold and silver drain: Expansion fo the empire exceeded the amount of gold and silver available to be found
3. Inflation: Disappearance of money.
4. The decline of loyalty and discipline in the military: Roman soldiers became less disciplines and loyal because they gave their loyalty to Christianity and non-violence. 
5. Citizen indifference and loss of patriotism: Rome relied on foreign men to fight in the army. With no skill, defeat was common therefore resulting to lose of patriotism.

2. What steps did Diocletian take to restore order and reform the empire? 

To restore and reform the empire, the Diocletian split the empire into four regions.

3. What did Constantine do to reform the empire? 

Constantine made Christianity the official religion in Rome to reform the empire.

4. What caused the final collapse of the Western Roman Empire? 

The final collapse of the Western Roman Empire was caused by the German tribes and barbarians moved into Rome.

Terms:

• Inflation: Drastic drop in the value of money coupled with a rise in prices
• Mercenary: Soldier who is paid to fight in a foreign army to defend against the increasing threats in the empire
• Diocletian: Strong-willed army leader who became the new emperor
• Constantinople: New capital in Rome
• Attila: Germanic assault on the empire, became a direct threat

MAIN IDEAS

3. What were the main internal causes of the empire’s decline?

The main internal causes of the empire’s decline were political instability, social decline, economic deterioration, and military collapse.

4. How did Diocletian succeed in preserving the empire?

Diocletian succeeds in preserving by splitting the empire into an Eastern and a Western side and by limiting personal freedoms.

5. Why did so many Germanic tribes begin invading the Roman Empire?

Many Germanic tribes invaded Rome because the Huns invaded their land, and so they were fleeing from them and ended up pushing into Roman lands.