The Beginnings of the Roman Revolution

THE BEGINNINGS OF THE ROMAN REVOLUTION: THE GRACCHI

GENERALIZATION:

The Roman Revolution was largely the indirect product of Rome's many wars, particularly the Punic Wars. Yet there was another cause as well: the selfishness and short-sightedness of the ruling class of Rome, the senators. Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the story of the Gracchi brothers. Comment.

ID'S:

EQUESTRIANS, PROLETARIAT, CATO THE ELDER, TIBERIUS GRACCHUS, GAIUS GRACCHUS, MARCUS LIVIUS DRUSUS, SENATUS CONSULTUS ULTIMUM

I. Introduction

II. Impact of warfare on Roman social structure
   A. Senatorial class (nobiles)
   B. Equestrians
   C. Proletariat
   D. Italian Allies
   E. Slaves

III. Problems with Roman system
   A. Government not designed for empire
         1. Improvisation: consuls become proconsuls, praetors become propraetors, etc.
   B. Warfare undermines plebian victories in Struggle of Orders, particularly lex hortensia
   C. Court system out of whack
   D. Squbbles among leaders in their quest for fama, gloria, auctoritas, dignitas
   E. Decay of Roman character
   1. Cato the Elder--attempts to go back to traditional values
   2. Destruction of Carthage, Corinth, Numantia: a solution, or part of the problem?

III. Tiberius Gracchus
   A. Background
   B. Election as tribune
   C. Land reform
   D. Reelection?
   E. Assassination

IV. Gaius Gracchus
   A. Election as tribune
   B. Reforms
   C. Problems/ mistakes
   D Assassination

V. Results