Question

What were the major stages in the political and military development of the Roman Republic?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Development of the Roman Republic

Introduction

The Roman Republic went through some stages in both political and military progress. Rome emerged from the many states in the Italian Peninsula to a powerful empire in the world between 5^th century BCE and 1^st century CE. Rome succeeded to develop its political and military structure through expansion of the military and conquering many people. However, Rome went through the struggle to achieve its goals.

Political Development

Rome was initially a city-state in Italian peninsula before it grew to become the center of the most influential empire in the early world. Rome made history in its political development through its expansion of influence over many areas. Moreover, the political institutions became resilient and adapted thus giving way to incorporation of diverse populations.

The Roman Republic began in 509 BCE after the overthrow of the last king of Rome. The king was replaced by the two consuls who had the same powers as the king but were elected and served only one-year terms. Each consul had the legitimate authority to veto or reject the actions of the other consul. Around 300 BCE, the office of consul was developed with the primary aim of preventing one from becoming more powerful than the other. The idea of consul office shaped the Rome's political institutions.

Rome political institutions were a symbol of the Roman society with two classes: plebeians, ordinary people, and patricians, wealthy elites. The opportunity to hold office and make decisions was only given to the patricians. However, one was required to have held a political office to become a senator, and the plebeians could not get a chance.

A great and significant change place between the years 494 and 287 BCE when the political offices for plebeians were created enabling them to gain access to the higher positions. The voting assemblies and councils created gave plebeians an opportunity to have a say in the Rome politics (HOROTAN, 2017). The last barrier to political participation of the plebeians in politics was removed in the year 287 BCE. However, the laws were to pass through the plebeian council before its approval in the Senate.

Military Development

The voting system gave a reflection of the Roman army structure. Comitia Centuriata, the voting assembly of that acted as the military had a group of 100 soldiers and it was a standard military unit under the kingdom and most of the Republican era. Only the wealthy Romans had the opportunity to join the military because they had to provide high-quality weapons and armor on their own.

The Romans believed that the wealthy were the one who fit to have more significant influence in politics. The wealthy had the motivation to be the right soldiers as they had a lot to lose from the Roman defeat.