Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Blog #28 -- Are We Rome?

"Imagine a small agrarian republic that gradually grows into the world’s greatest military and cultural superpower. Over time, as public power is concentrated in the hands of a relatively small group of wealthy private citizens, that ruling elite falls increasingly out of touch with the world beyond its borders. Those borders, porous and steadily expanding, become ever more difficult to manage and defend. Faltering under the growing burden of policing them, the military is forced to recruit considerable mercenary support to handle conflicts that might arise, as well as those already under way. Eventually, losing its grip on power both internally and externally, the superpower enters a state of accelerating decline, ultimately fading into a shadow of its former glory." - "As the Romans Did", The Atlantic Monthly, June 22, 2007.

Some people have compared America to Rome and the different stages that it has gone through, from its earliest days as a small farming republican democracy that grew steadily into the world's largest military and cultural superpower of its time.  America had done this in a shorter amount of time period, and in some respects still maintains its military and cultural superiority.  We have the biggest armed forces and the most powerful economy in the world, and our culture can be found throughout the world with McDonald's, Subway, and Coke. 

In some ways, according to author John Murphy, America and Rome are very similar. For instance:
 - both America and Rome have an exaggerated sense of self - importance, thinking that we are the greatest nation / empire in the world;
 - our military is stretched across the world / empire and also alienated from the regular people in society;
 - we both struggle to police / protect our borders from immigration / foreign invasions;
 - we idealize our founders as someone to look up to;
 - both Romans and Americans tend to be shortsighted and don't think down the road and some things can tend to bite them in the end;
 - Rome and America have tended to be very multicultural and built on the work of immigrants;
 - America and Rome have a huge gap between the rich and poor meaning that the rich are very rich and the poor are very poor.

Some things that make America different than Rome however, are:
 - Romans had slavery throughout its entire history, while America outlawed it 150 years ago;
 - America has seen so much change in the last 150 years with regards to industrial, technological change than Rome had experienced in its entire lifetime;
 - America's free land give aways (courtesy of stealing from the Indians) actually worked unlike the Gracchus brothers' reforms.

In your own words, discuss the similarities and differences between Rome and America.  You can come up with some of your own.

Due Thursday by class.  200 words minimum.  

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jay Griffin

In ways both America and Rome are alike and different. I will list some the similarities. For example both us and the Romans believe in having a good, strong military. We both believe that power should be spread evenly between people and no one person should have complete control. We both believe in a strict set of laws and rules so that people will know the consequences for their actions so they can never use that against the law. We both believe women should be able to have a social life besides their family. For example Roman women were allowed to own property and run their own business without the consent of their spouse. Same thing goes for women in the United States their allowed to do their own thing without the consent of their spouse.

Even though there were similarities there were also many differences. For example our social events/ are different like there were chariot races for Circus Maximus and in the coliseum gladiators would fight to the death. While we just have basketball, soccer, etc… There entertainment money came from taxes. While our athletes money comes from brands. Also people would be killed if they didn’t follow a certain belief. But here we can believe in any religion.

Anonymous said...

Chaise Ford Blog #28 World History

America and Rome sound very similar in many of ways. They each have an army that has power and a strong force. Rome thinks that they are the biggest and the most experienced country in the world, along with America, just because we have more resources than other countries and a stronger military. Then Rome has to defend their land from people that’s trying to invade there land and do damage. With the untied states we have to deal with these types of things on a daily bases, like today we are in a war with a group of people named “Isis” and we have to defend are country from tourist attacks.
There are people that make up Rome and the U.S.A, but there is always a leader that has control over what we do and how we do it. Same in Rome there’s an leader there that controls what they do and what wars they fight. There’s also a hue difference between the poor and rich in both countries. America and Rome might have a lot of things in common but there a lot differences to. America had went though slavery and gave up on the idea of it, in Rome doesn’t have it still but they just got gave up on it. The united states army is way stronger than Rome, we invest way to much money into army that’s why we don’t have as many as problems as other countries.


Michael Homer said...

Michael Homer

According to John Murphy America and Rome in similar in many ways one way is they both think/thought they were the best nation/ empire in the world. Both militaries are stretched across the world. Both America and Rome struggle to keep invaders out of their land. They romanticize the founder of the nation/ empire as a leader and role model. Neither of them thinks for the future just about the present. Rome and America are very multicultural and build on the work of immigrants. Both have a huge social class gap meaning the rich ae very rich and the poor are very poor.

Even though they are very similar there are a few differences between America and Rome. One difference is Rome had slavery for its entire history and America had outlawed it 150 years ago. America had developed so many changes over 150 years like regards to industrial, and technology change that Rome had experienced its whole lifespan. America became the most powerful nation in a shorter amount of time that Rome did and still has a superior military. America has the biggest army and strongest economy in the world. Also Americas culture is found all over the world.

Dahvi Lupovitch said...

Although the Roman Empire and America are from different periods, they have many similarities, and of course some differences. Both peoples are under the impression that they are the single greatest country in existence. This of course is an exaggerated and biased point of view. Also, both regions police the nations poorly, which results in foreign invasions or immigrants. Because of this both Rome and America have diverse societies and because they are so multicultural they are built on the work of immigrants. A third quality of both America and Rome is the military being stretched across either the world or the empire. The military is also alienated from the regular or common people in the society. There are many similarities between the Roman Empire and today’s America; they have a few differences as well. Both of these nations had slavery in their history. However, America got rid of slavery 150 years ago, where as Rome had slavery throughout its entire history. A second difference includes that America has experienced much more change over the last 150 years than Rome has had in its entire lifetime. The Roman Empire and America can be considered quite similar yet also very different.

Heather Flannery said...

There are many similarities and differences between Rome and America such as the influences of wars, distractions of regular day life, and a difference is how emperors inherited their power and served for life. One unfortunate similarity is the Roman influence of wars. The Romans fought in a variety of different wars that includes a civil war and Punic Wars. The civil war was fought between Julius Caesar and Pompey. This is similar to the American civil war which was fought between the Northern and Southern United States (Union and Confederate army). There were 3 wars during the Punic War time. The ruling power went to Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, for fifteen years in Rome, but in the end, Rome defeated all. In the United States, even if the United States has not given up their power to another nation, they are currently fighting in a war with Iraq and another war with Syria, but neither nation has been giving up. Both the Romans and the Americans have distractions that help people escape from the hard times of their normal lives. Such distractions in Roman life included the Colosseum, and Circus Maximus which in turn results in these events being funded by taxes. Distractions in American life include sporting events, musicals, plays, and concerts. All of these distractions were and still are a getaway for many people. One difference between American and Roman life is how the emperors during Roman time inherited their power and served that power for life. This worked for Roman life, but in American life, that is not the case. Instead of having an emperor, Americans have a president for a ruler. Presidents also do not inherit their power and are only allowed to serve a term in office for a total of eight years, not for life. With the similarities and differences between the two nations, it is relevant that Rome influenced American life, but Americans have adapted the Roman ways to better suit their own needs. In hundreds of years, American traditions may influence a new civilization along with continuing to see Roman traditions throughout many new civilizations to come.

Anonymous said...

Rome and America have been compared for many years based on how their civilization grew. They both started out as a small farming republican and became a dominating, large military and cultural superpower. Between Rome and America there are a lot of similarities and differences. One of the similarities is that America and Rome have a huge gap or space in between the rich and the poor meaning that the rich are very rich and the poor are very poor, they are almost like polar opposites. In America as I have seen a large amount of people are in poverty meaning they are homeless or very close to being homeless. I have also seen people that have billions in billions of dollars and that is a huge gap from billions to nothing. The same applies to the Romans and how their country is right now. A difference that these two countries have is that America has seen so much change in the last 150 years with regards to industrial, technology change than the Rome had experienced in it’s entire lifetime. This mean that while America is getting new, upgraded, Macs and iphones, people in Rome are far behind and they have moved really slow in their industrial business. It’s kind of like saying we have had electricity for years and they are still using candles for light during the night. The industrial business in America is very fast paced and we have new products coming out within months of the other model, while Rome is trying to catch up.
McKenna Moosekian

Jacqueline Sullivan 3rd hour said...

Blog #28 Are We Rome?

Throughout the successful period of Rome and the many years America has lived through, many similarities are common. The similarities include a strong military, looking up to our founders, and protect our borders from immigrants.
America and Rome both have/had strong militaries. Rome’s military had a maximum of 120 million people and they conquered many cities making them one of the best militaries of their time. Rome`s military also created new fighting techniques and made new weapons with stronger materials. America also have a strong military and is concidered the best. The number of soldiers participating to protecting and fight for America has grown to 2 millions. Also 5 different types of military: Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Many new techniques and weapons have been created.
America and Rome both look up to our founders. Romulus and Remus are Rome`s founders and are worshiped. Many statues have been built of them and they inspire Rome. Americas founder Christopher Columbus is famous and many statues are built of him. Columbus is well known and is taught about in schools. Not just the founders, America looks up to many others that have inspired them.
America and Rome both protect their borders from illegal immigrants and other invaders. Today in America it is hard to become an immigrant due to many things needed to become one. Illegal immigrants cross from our borders with Mexico and Canada and if found they are arrested. Military and other Americans are stationed throughout the borders making sure illegal immigrants do not get through. Rome had many natural barriers such as rivers and mountains that protected them from invaders. Just like America, Roman troops protected their borders.
America and Rome had many similarities such as strong protection, worshiping people that do great things, and protecting their civilizations, so yes, we are Rome.

Janai Williams said...

The Romans in the past and modern day Americans have many things in common. Also, they have many things different. In my following paragraphs I will go in depth, telling the things the Romans and Americans have in common, and things they they don't.

The Romans and America have many things in common. One of the many things they have in common is their Type of government, and feeling of superiority compared to other countries

Both America and Rome have a Republic government system. Rome once had a Republic government. The Romans had a system of 2 consuls who were the rulers of Rome and commanded armies. Senate who represented the vast majority of people or in their case the patricians. Tribal assembly were representatives for plebeians who could elect tribunes; they could veto laws. America too has a Republic government system. Yes, Americans do vote for who they believe should obtain a position, but, Americans have Representatives who then based off their votes put a ballot with what the people voted in mind. Both have the same government system.

The Romans and Americans both have and had feelings of superiority compared to other countries. Romans excluded outsiders and people who weren’t Romans and often made them slaves. Just like Americans! Americans make it fairly difficult for aspiring immigrants to migrant and become legal citizens in the U.S. and we go so far as protecting our borders in Michigan, New York, and California to make sure illegal foreigners do not come in. Also, most Americans try to avoid making negative comments about other Americans, and American issues generally

Claire Cassar said...

Claire Cassar
10/8/14
Similarities in Rome and America
Similar qualities in culture and government can be found in America and Rome throughout time. In both civilizations, a republic government is set up with a respected and admired leader along with representatives elected to vote and run the government. Both civilizations spread culture and invented many important/famous items such as Rome’s arch, cement, dams, and sewage systems and America’s McDonalds, Disney, electricity, and the telephone. Another common trait is arrogance and thinking they are the superior country. The two countries act quickly on things and cause events that affect them negatively in the end. Even though the militaries are powerful and large, defending and policing the country from foreign powers has been proven to be a challenge. Many immigrants have migrated to these areas to create a multicultural environment. Rome, although slightly less lenient, and America are tolerant of religious freedoms and differences. The Roman Empire still had laws saying that citizens had to believe in Roman gods but they could also practice their own religion. This law does differ from American beliefs, freedom to practice any religion of choice, but also relates because Rome did not fully control the religious practices. These two countries do have their differences but are also very similar.

iyana robinson said...

Some of the similarities and differences between Rome and America are, American and Roman culture are both widely spread, and they both have large gaps between the rich and the poor, and America outlawed slavery sooner than Rome.
Both the American and the Roman culture is spread thought other countries, the American culture is spread throughout countries through franchises such as; McDonalds, Starbucks, Coke, etc. The Roman culture is spread throughout America because America adapted the Latin language from Rome; much of our English language is originated from the Latin language that the Romans used.
America and Rome have a wide range of rich and poor in their countries. A great portion of the country is poor while another half is rich.
A difference between America and Rome is America outlawed slavery 150 years ago while Romans had it throughout their entire history. America came over slavery soon because the government was stronger than the Roman government at the time.
Rome and America are also similar due to the strong militaries, and the quick thinking of the government. Both Rome and America make decisions without thinking about the outcome, bringing them to failure sometimes.

Erinn Costello said...

Rome and American are civilizations that have grown in different time periods but in the same way. Also they have contrasting each other in other ways, such as different speeds of growth and government style.
Rome and America have many similarities. In America we speak English, majority of our English words are derived of the Latin language. Even though the languages are completely different, it is easy to see the similarities of the Roman language with the English language.
The Roman Empire was so large and covered a humongous amount of land. They claimed this land with the force of their powerful army. In America our army protects our territory, fends off invaders and battle over sea to help our allies. To complete all this tasks we must have a strong powerful army, which we seem to have.
Though the two empires have a lot of similarities they also have differences. One of those things was slavery. During all of Rome’s history slavery was involved. In the United States slavery was involved only in the beginning of our history.
Even though America and Rome are completely different, time and culture wise, you can see where the American civilization comes from.
Erinn costello

Alexis Arbaugh said...

Over the course of history America and Rome have been compared, both with similarities and difference. One way the America and Rome are alike is that they both struggle with immigrations problems. And they have trouble with keeping the police force at the boarder to catch these invaders. During the Roman Empire they struggled with keeping immigrants from other neighboring counties out. There was a problem with Germans. But their biggest issue was when the Huns came to Europe and started conquering everything. In the end the Germanic people and the Huns took over Rome. Something similar continues to happen in America today. America has a problem with illegal immigrants coming from Mexico. It is very hard for our police force to protect the whole boarder between the U.S and Mexico, so a lot of Mexicans do get through. This isn’t just a problem for Americans but it’s an even bigger problem for the immigrants because if they ever wanted to get a job or buy a house or anything they would have to prove that they are legal, or risk being send to jail. The second similarity between Rome and America is that the gap between rich and poor. In Rome, there was a huge gap between rich and poor people, either you were super rich (the emperor), or you were dirt poor (slaves). There was also a middle class of people. In other words if you were rich than you were super rich but if you were poor than you’re really poor. Modern day America is the same way. If you are very rich, for example Bill Gates, he was one of the creators of Microsoft so he very rich. And if you are poor, like an illegal immigrant and don’t have a job, then you don’t have the money to pay for necessities like food and a home. Meaning that if you are poor like this then you are very poor. Even though Rome and America are very similar, they also have some difference, like slavery. Throughout Rome’s entire history they had slavery but in America it was eventually abolished. In Rome slaves were seen as property and not citizens of Rome. Though slavery in Rome was quite different then in America. They were allowed to own property, become citizens were they had political freedom, including the right to vote. In America, slaves were treated very differently. They were also not allowed to own property and were not considered citizens but they could also because citizens if they worked hard enough and go permission from their master. President Lincoln saw that the way that Americans treated slaves was not right, so he abolished it for good. Even though the Roman Empire and America are a t least 1,500 years apart, Rome was such a great empire and influence that America took some of its good parts and modernized it for now. But America did not take some of the bad things, like slavery.

Unknown said...

There are many different similarities and differences between America and Rome, but there are two main ones. The similarity between America and Rome is that both these nations always exaggerate on why they are the better country. These two nations “compete” on inventing and creating things that improve their country to show that they are a more efficient and a more technology advanced country. The U.S shows that they are powerful by our army. The people who serve for us are part of this similarity to show that we are better and stronger than anyone else. This concept is also great for these two nations because they invent more things, which betters both of our nations and the rest of the world. The second difference between America and Rome is that Rome has had slavery its whole time a nation while America got rid of the thought of slavery many years ago. Slavery was a huge issue and America disagreed with this, so we got rid of it. Rome liked this concept and accepted it into their lives for a very long time. They would make their slaves do everything for them and the only thing the owner would do would to sit down and do nothing. This was a horrible decision. These are two examples of the similarities and differences between America and Rome.

Kennedy Brown said...

Blog #28 Kennedy Brown
A similarity between Rome and America is: America and Rome both idealize our founders as someone to look up to. For instance, the emperors, kings, leaders, ect. In Rome are well respected and have buildings, palaces, and such built for them. In America the “emperors, kings, leaders” are the presidents. Now the president is Barack Obama, citizens in our country look up to him. He has lots of power as do the Roman emperors. Presidents in American have monuments, statues, money with their faces on them, and so on. Which, are similar to what the Roman leaders, emperors, and kings have so they can show how significant they are.
A difference between the Rome and America is: America and Rome have different rights. As in the Women rights in Rome they had limited rights. Women could own property and run businesses, but most worked at home, raising families. In America, the women are free to do anything they want. They aren’t forced to stay at home and become house wives.
These are the key similarities and differences between Rome and America. Basically the Rome and America now are similar. They both look up to a leader/president. They are different because the different rights they both have.

Aurumn Childress 3rd Hour said...


I think we, (America) , aren't becoming Rome because although there are many similarities, for example: the power of our military. We have one of the most powerful militaries in the world and Rome also had a great military, most often winning a war. Also, we have huge accomplishments that have gone global like traffic lights or the Ferris wheel. Rome also has big accomplishments like roads and laws that we still use today. However, I still disagree that we are becoming Rome. First, we still haven't been overthrown although Rome was around for a much longer time then America, which has only been around for 238 years. We have more advanced technology then Rome had. For example, we can predict when a missile is coming, in Rome's days they didn't even have missiles, let own predictions of when they could hit. We also have predictions of the weather, like natural disasters, while Rome did not. Our soldiers have better armor and guns, which could help us stop a possible invasion by another country. Women of America have much more freedom then women of Rome did, which could stop possible rebellions. In conclusion, although Rome and America have many similarities, America is much more advanced in technology and freedom then Rome was, which can put us ahead of them if there were ever an invasion, or a natural disaster.

Anonymous said...

Consuls: Elected by an assembly, they ruled as chief executives for one year. Consuls controlled the military as well. Legislative branch:
Legislative branch
Senate: 300 people ruled as Senate. They were chosen by aristocrats and they reigned over foreign affairs and financial policies.
Centuriate assembly: A group of citizen soldiers that are members for life. They elect consuls an make laws.
Tribal assembly: Citizens are put into groups depending on where they live they are also members for life. Tribal assembly members elect tribunes.
Judicial branch
Praetors: Eight judges were chosen by the Centuriate assembly to judge for a year. Two of the eight judges supervise civil court and criminal court.
Legal code
The Twelve Tables was similar to the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments of the Constitution), however, it only protected the free-born male citizens under the law.
Citizenship
Given to adult man landowners.
One major difference
Dictators: When catastrophe struck, the Republic could appoint a dictator, however a dictator's power only lasted 6 months. They were appointed by the Consuls and then elected by the Senates. Romans had slavery throughout its entire history, while America outlawed it 150 years ago.
jamil lee

Anonymous said...

America and Rome are similar and different in many ways. One way Rome and the United States are similar are both Rome and America are we both have difficulties protecting its borders foreign invasions. Two ways that they are different include how in Rome women have been able to own property and run businesses a lot longer than in the United States , and how children in Rome continue education a lot longer than those in America.
In the United States today, only 3% of cargo containers are screened. This means that there is only a 3% chance of the United States finding out about someone smuggling in things like bombs into ports. By the time they might find this out, whatever was being smuggled might go off, and a foreign invasion might start. This is very similar to Rome, which had difficulty protecting its borders from foreign invaders.
In Rome, women were allowed to own property and run businesses. In the United States, women have only been able to own property in the last 180 years, and even then there were restrictions. Women in Rome have been able to own property and run businesses for a lot longer than women in the United States.
Children in Rome, both boys and girls, were educated to read and write at a young age. In America, a large majority of children would stop education at a very young age to work in order to help support their families. This has only stopped in the last 150 years.

Stephanie G third hour

Unknown said...




We are not Rome, but we have a lot of similarities and differences.
The Similarities in Rome and America are they both have big slots in their high class and low class. This defining the rich is very wealthy and the poor are very poor. Which creates a very big gap in the economy.

Rome and America both see their selves as the greatest nation. Better than Asia, Africa, India, Europe, Canada, and Antarctica. Making them the empire of the world.

The differences between Rome and America are Romans slavery has been around through out all of their history. Which meaning slavery is kind of still around today but not a lot?

Rome and America are not the same because they share a lot of different religions and traditions. They also speak a different langue. They also aren’t the same because in my view The Uniting States is the empire of the world because we are better known as the region with the better army, economy, and politics. Though Rome and America are not the same we do have a lot in common, such as Rome and America tend to do mistakes and they come back to bite them in the end.

Anonymous said...

Sanae Chestnut
3rd hour Wickersham
October 8, 2014

America and Rome share many similarities and differences. They influenced us and we still use some of their ideas till this day. Rome and America both struggle with unemployment. “Back in the day” Roman farmers had to sell their farms because of taxes. United States today doesn’t have many job opportunities for people. Rome didn’t have the best defense system. There military couldn’t afford some things. United States has a big budget going toward our Army and Navy. United States also has allies. Rome was more on their own and independent. The US and Rome have many cultural differences such as languages, clothing and religion. Most Romans spoke Latin, and most Americans were bilingual or trilingual.The US got the idea of war from the Romans. We have been fighting wars for the past 100years to settle disagreements. Rome dealt with the problem of immigration and illegal immigrants. The US goes threw this problem today in cities like California, Chicago, and Atlanta. Both Rome and US control land outside of our borders. We have both had to get rid of foreign controllers.The US doesn't do events such as Romans did in the Colosseum. We entertain with sports and concerts of different types.

Sean S. said...

Many people believe that America is a close modern day version of ancient Rome. Ancient Rome and modern America are similar in many ways. Both America and Rome believe they are the best, we both have power all over the world, and we both look up to leaders and politicians.

Both Rome and America believe that they are the best nation or power in the world. Rome spent many years expanding and conquering the surrounding areas and civilizations. Rome also spent many resources to protect their land. America believes that we have the “right” way of government and we feel that the rest of the world should be like us.

Rome had conquered many of the surrounding areas and had a very strong military. America has military groups all over the Middle East. We are trying to help eradicate terrorism through our military strength. Both America and Rome had/have very strong militaries to help other people

Both Romans and Americans look up to their leaders and politicians. We view them as people to look up to because of their status. This means they are the example of how to behave in public. For this reason, many politicians crack under the pressure and do not make very good decisions.

Anonymous said...

Though Rome and America are in two completely different time periods they are very similar but also very different. Both civilizations are mainly superior in a military and cultural stand point which could also be seen in different ways. Over thousands of years later superiority can still be controlled in the same ways. These two civilizations are similar and different in many ways like: The gap between rich and poor, both are very diverse (immigrants), and they both idealize founders as someone to look up to.

In Rome their gap between rich and poor was bigger because you were either very rich or very poor, while in our America society we don't have as big a gap between poor and rich because of our economy. For Example the Romans it was you were either born into a rich family or you were poor and that was it but, in America even if you start off poor after getting an education you have the chance to change your life so you have the opportunity to be rich. But In the end They are both similar in the fact that they both separate the rich from the poor, but they both separate differently because Roman had two separate levels of rich and poor but America has many different levels. Another similarity is the diverse immigrants; both Rome and America have/had a diverse civilization. In Rome most of their diversity was from the war and they were either there because they wanted to join the Romans or they were brought in as slaves to work for the Romans. In America our diversity is mainly found because people in other countries find opportunity here that they could not find in their country including educations, jobs, or even a good place to start a family. The only difference between or diverse immigrants and Rome's was the fact that most of our immigrants came by choice well almost all of Rome's immigration were brought in by war. Lastly another similarity between these two major civilizations is that we both look up to our ideal founders! For example in Rome they Idolized Julius Caesar for all he did by putting him on their trading coins:

I think by the Romans idolizing Caesar it is similar to how we idolize our presidents in a similar way by putting the on money like Abraham Lincoln on the penny. Though both civilizations idolized their founders the Romans idolized their founders as Gods, well we Americans idolize our founders in a "we couldn't of done this way".

So in conclusion both the Romans and the Americans were very similar well different at the same time. Though over a 1,000 years apart they still are like this.

Larkin

Anonymous said...

In many ways Rome and America are alike some similarities are we both conquered land outside of our borders, we both had a legislature, executive, and judicial branches. We both had a large number of poor and unemployed and the government has used the dole and other aid packages to help the people causing a great drain on the finances of the government. Both of us had to throw off a foreign power to establish a nation,We both have system of checks and balances to see that no single branch of government was stronger than another. The veto is and idea taken from the Romans. Both have many similarities in individual freedoms like right of habeas corpse. Tribal by jury, innocent until proven guilty, right of appeal, and many others. Both controlled large land masses. In Rome these were the wealthy and were self-serving. In US many are career senators and from the elite in America, and focused often on money bills.After hundreds of years, imports greater than exports, so money is rolling out and the government/ economy is looking at rising debt. Religion was a central part of each societies , but religious tolerance also existed to some level the US has had its dark moments of religious intolerance,too.

Some differences are Rome conquered and control by subjection. The US tries to include people into the nation. True it does have territories, but then it grants the people citizen unlike the Romans. Romans also used the entertainment of the coliseum to keep the mobs happy but America uses money, jobs, things that people want to keep them happy. In the US they remained friends and allies with England, while the Romans conquered the Greeks and Etruscans. No real system to control the emperors existed except to overthrow them. America is far more balanced, although it is a source of political frustration to find that balance. In Rome you could appeal to Caesar, but only if you were a citizen , Here in America the appeal proccess extended to many and has many levels throughout the judicial system.

Anonymous said...

In America today, there are many similarities to the Roman civilization that existed thousands of years in the past. For starters, they both have huge egos. They think that they are the biggest and the baddest (even though rome managed to fall), and not many try to take them down. They both have a vast army that can take on almost anything we put in front of them. In relation to the Romans, we Americans police our borders in order to keep out any people who might harm our society. There is (sadly) a huge gap between the rich citizens and the poor ones in America, just as there was in Rome, meaning that you are either wealthy or poor, and the two groups rarely associate. Both ancient Romans and Modern-day Americans both idolize their leaders and look up to them to make both major and minor decisions in our societies. Both societies were built upon immigrant and slave labor.

Although the Americans and Romans seem almost identical, there are also many things that make the two civilizations different. These things include the abolishment of slavery by America, but not Rome. Also, America has become more advanced technologically in the last century than Rome had its’ entire time on earth.

These are many reasons why the two societies, ancient Rome and America are similar, and why they are different.

Dominik Headlee,
3rd hour,
10/11/2014

Nathaniel Abbott said...

In many ways America and Rome a very much alike. We both have many rights for men and women. We both have a school system. We believe in have a big strong military for protection. We both believe in a representative government so the country is run in the way the people would want it including a secure set of laws that will involve punishment if violated. We both have fought in many wars including civil wars. We both had and are having a collapsing middle class by things like slave labor or overseas workers. We also both have a welfare system that gives free food and entertainment to the poor.

Although there are many similarities between Rome and America There are still many differences. To start the U.S. never had a dictator in times for war and have a more stable form of government and safer transfers of power. The Romans mostly only allowed their own religion and didn’t except other though we accept many other religions. Rome concurred land and people while America had only expanded their land peacefully. In America we are born with rights as citizens but in Rome their people were more like subjects than citizens.

Anonymous said...

In America and Rome today many things are different and similar with the different countries. Here are some differences with Rome and America. Rome was founded by the myth of Remus and Romulus. In this myth a wild wolf had relations with a human and to this union was twins Romulus and Remus. Romulus formed Rome and Remus was out of the picture at this point. America was discovered by a man named Christopher Columbus. In Rome they use a republic government. In America you can choose if you want to be democratic or republic or no involvement in government at all. Here are some similarities with Rome and America. The two countries both have laws and rights they are just called different names. America has The Constitution as Rome has The Twelve Tables. Women in Rome could own their own property, run businesses, but most women in Rome worked at home raising families. In America, women for the most part of it have as many rights as men but there are minor limits. Rome has had wars like American wars. For example the Peloponnesian and Punic Wars and the Civil and World Wars were alike in some ways. Knowing how America and Rome are alike in some ways helps me understand things better.

Kalaya

Anonymous said...

America and Rome are very similar. Rome had and America has a military system, and was/is the best military system. Their militaries are both all around the world stationed in more than one spot and in every country. Both are the most well-known and best countries out there. We deal with people jumping borders all the time, like from Mexico. We have foreign invasion problems all the time. Rome had problems with foreign invasion as well. When you’re the best country to be in, with the most opportunities, foreigners will be something dealt with. In America we have idealized our founders, such as George Washington the first president, and many other presidents. In Rome they did the same and idealized their founders. America has built their work around immigrants, because they will work for less. America is also very multicultural. Rome was the same, very multicultural and if you were an immigrant you were working for a lot less than the others. Rome was very separated between the rich and the poor. The richer you were, the better treatment you would have where ever you went. In America till this day the rich have everything easier. Celebrities will always be treated better where ever they go, than a regular person. Rome is very similar compared to modern day America.
-George