Critical THinking

Henry Chen
Leslie Martin
AP World History
3 October 2014
Critical Thinking Questions Chapter 5
1. Throughout the course of the Roman Republic, they were threatened by many different countries around them. They created a mighty military that crushed the Latin states. After that, they waged a war against the Samnites, and were victorious. They had a significant portion of Italy as a result, and came into direct contact with the Greeks. The Roman's culture was greatly affected by the Greeks (such as adapting gods). Later on, the Romans crushed the Greeks, and had most of Italy under control. Their conquests were successful because of their great military strategy and their effectiveness of their ruling. For example, they gave their conquered civilians full Roman status, and gave them a stake in success. They also crushed rebellions without mercy, and used force when necessary. The Romans were good soldiers and persistent ones; they rebuilt the losses after each battle. They also built interconnecting roads that helped them move ideas, people, and weapons/food across Italy to fortified positions. Rome essentially mobilized the manpower of Italy for war.
2. During the Punic Wars, Rome made an effort to take over Italy(most importantly Sicily). Although they had a land power advantage, they realized they could not win without a navy. The Roman navy eventually defeated the Carthaginian navy, and won the first Punic War. Sicily became the first Roman province as a result. Eventually, Carthage retaliated, and with the help of general Hannibal, almost retook all of Rome's provinces. However, Rome fought back and won the Second Punic War. After the Battle of Zama(202 B.C.E), Carthage signed a peace treaty and lost Spain. Fifty years later, the third and final Punic War defeated Carthage once and for all (which was advocated by the politician Cato). This marked the beginning of the great Roman Republic and Empire.
3. The role of women in Rome wasn't that important compared to some other civilizations. The Roman family stood headed by the paterfamilias-the dominant male. Not to mention, the household included wives, sons with their wives, children, slaves, and unmarried daughters. Also like the Greeks, Roman males thought that the weakness of the female sex necessitated male guardians. After the dominant male's death, usually his sons or nearest male relatives would assume leadership as a guardian. A woman's marriage was arranged by their fathers, and with legal control (which eventually changed). Some parents in the upper class gave their daughters an education (tutors or schools). They often married at a very young age (about fourteen years old). The early marriages persisted because women were expected to die early. As the second century progressed, the paterfamilias had no absolute control over his family (could not send his children to slavery or killed). By the end of the century, women didn't need to have a guardian anymore. Many upper class women had freedom and independence, such as the right to own, inherit and dispose of property. Unlike the Greeks, wives were not segregated, and could attend activities, and influenced politics.
4. Jesus of Nazareth was a Palestinian Jew who grew up in Galilee. He presented humility, charity, and brotherly love(which would later form a basis for Western civilization). The Roman leaders were afraid that he was going to start a rebellion with his ideas, so they killed and crucified him. However, his followers spread the story of Jesus, and eventually led to a movement. The spread of Christianity began as a religious movement with Judaism. Paul of Tarsus was the most important spreader of Christianity, as he provided a universal foundation for the spread of Jesus' ideas. Although Christianity spread slowly at first, written material and stories spread across the Roman empire, and missionaries used the roads to spread the news. As the population grew, the perspective on Christianity changed. The Romans grew tolerant to the religion, but thought of them as a threat to the empire. Followers of Christianity did not believe in the Roman gods, which led to anger and resentment. Persecution of its followers didn't stop the spread, and by the third century, it dominated much of the Roman empire and sought out to influence Europe. Christianity offered Rome with a meaning and purpose for the world, and became familiar throughout the state. It fulfilled the human need to belong, and formed communities by which people could express their love for each other and help the needed. It was attractive to all classes, and the promise of eternal life was appealing to all citizens and people of Rome. Finally, during the 4th century, Christianity became the official religion of Rome, overcoming all odds.
5. The Roman and Han empires both had many similarities and differences. For example, they both lasted around the same time, and achieved many great feats. Both built elaborate road systems, and transferred the architectural designs outside of their reign. Not to mention, both lasted for centuries, and both had great success in establishing a central control. Also, they both had a great agricultural system that allowed them to sustain thousands and thousands of people. They also had similar economic and social structures, such as the male being dominant, and family was the heart of social structure. Values such as duty, courage, discipline, and obedience were important. However, there were many differences too. To begin with, the Romans had a greater social mobility, as merchants were higher in the social status. Subsequently, the Chinese rulers had a greater foundation, as the Mandate of Heaven kept the followers and peasants in check. Their imperial authority was far more stable. At the end, one similarity was true for both: they had overwhelming problems that eventually led to its demise.