Do you believe that history repeats itself?

Question

(they say that all great empires fall at one point or another for example roman, ottoman etc.) do you think that americans are egotistical when it comes to this? Do americans believe that just because we are a powerful and influential country that the U.S. can never falter as a nation, I think that 9-11 is a good example of this? Do you think that in the future america might fall like all the mighty and powerful empires in the past?

sorry about the repetitive question, when I was typing it I checked and didnt see another similar question but anyway, I appreciate the people who are answering, and some may have not had the chance to answer the last so they can answer this one lol... still, im sorry for repeating a question

Answer 1

Not really. That's just a cute myth. Geo-political history hasn't repeated itself yet. Especially the myth that downfall is inevitible - I bet China would argue with that.

Every "empire" has its own characteristics, and none resemble each other in either their cause to rise or the reason for their downfall. They also all have different "life" spans. I can't think of any two that historically resemble each other.

Some empires lasted centuries or millenia, others lasted only years or decades. Some were economic empires, other were military, and still others simply colonial. Some ended with a bang, others faded into smaller factions, some (like China) still exist. Most are relatively obscure to modern history (especially western culture), and others were quite obvious.

Most empires have had their versions of 911 and survived for centuries afterward. Rome had Hannibal, Spartacus, and Caesar's assassination. England was invaded in 1088. Spain was invaded by the Moor's. All were tested by events at least as traumatic as 911 is to the US. Even the US was tested by Pearl Harbor. No one correctly predicted the end of American power because of that.

I don't think the US has existed long enough to even be considered to be an "empire". With less than a century as a world power, we're just upstarts. So it's a little early to predict the demise when the country hasn't barely aged past the crawling stage. And it's a little arrogant to compare ourselves to empires that were far grander in scope and age than the US. And if we fall, whatever "fall" means, it will be for very unique reasons.

Answer 2

our futures are unwritten and they will be what we make of them. Yes the United States could falter it would not be a pleasant thing if it does but unlike Rome in its anceint glory days when the Roman empire was hell bent on concuring the entire known world for its self. America is more humane or well it used to be more humane... Bush forgets about humanity and focuses on his fight in Iraq and this is a very bad thing for humanity and for our future. However terrorism is out of control no country is safe from terrorism and most of these terrorists are coming from the Middle East. If something isn't done to stop these senseless acts like those attacks on the WTC in New York. No country will be safe. Plans are foiled all the time where they are planning new attacks both here and in Europe. I have to agree America very well could falter. However it won't be an easy task making that one happen because unlike Anceint Rome we do have the benefit of a hell of a strong military.

Answer 3

Of course, most things do repeat themselves. Notice sometime that you go about preparing and eating your breakfast the same way, you drive to work over the same roads and tend to park in the same places, etc, etc. We are creatures of habit and habit tends to be the easiest way to do things.

Because we are creatures of habit we run our governments and businesses and international activities somewhat as we have in the past. We do that because we treat yesterday as proof that we did it right.

Anyone who intends to do us harm will simply watch how we do things then they can set traps where they know we will pass or they use our "habit" to avoid our security. That is the kind of thing that eventually causes us to fall.

We are not smart, neither is everyone else. Plotting against each other is an International Game,...every nation does it but they don't tell about it.

Answer 4

Yes, history repeats itself, but look at 9-11 this way, if any former country had a disaster like that, they probably would have crumbled. We do go through our hard years, but i don't think it is going to happen to the US unless something unexpectingly comes, like aliens or the world unites(yeah right).

Answer 5

I think there is a time for everything. Look at how our resources are threatened. I hope I am not alive to see it but some day the United States will be just another bit of history in someone's book.

Answer 6

yes, most democratic nations do not last for long, only a couple hundred years normally. So the power of the people to keep voting what they want not what is good for the nation normally destroys it before long.

so yes the people of the US will someday destroy thierself though thier own selfish desire.

Answer 7

Yes, the US "empire" will fall. However you are looking at the wrong reason for the downfall and who the successor will be.

It will not be Islam or the Islamofascists.

It WILL be China.

China will later remove Islam from the face of the earth.

Answer 8

I can't say that 9/11 is a good example of it, but America WILL fall someday, or at least degrade severely in freedom, power, or money.
So, I guess I can say yes.

Answer 9

There is only one thing common to all empires. They fall.

America is different though. It is built by immigrants.

As long as America is able to attract immigrants, it will do just fine. Once that's
gone, it is doomed.

Answer 10

Unless we all progress and mature spiritually, history does and will repeat itself. 9-11 was an inside job and a test run for what is coming next!...
http://www.global-conspiracies.com/fema_concentration_camps.htm