Are we the Romans?

Question

Do you think that we, Americans, are bound to fall like the Romans did? They had and incredible civilization that was meant to last a forever, but they fell didn't they, do you think the same wil happen to the United States, or do you think we as a country will be able to over come every obstacle thrown our way, and keep the United States on top forever?

Answer 1

Hey limallama,

What a great question! On one hand, we live here and don't want to admit there might just be something that needs to be fixed. On the other hand, we keep sticking our nose into business that we should not, at least without proof. We are fat and lazy, now. We are not as educated as other countries either! Cheap labor abounds, and the credo at our colleges is 'Party on'.

If none of this direction changes, we just may be headed for our own demise.

On the other hand, we are a resilient country. People that come here and become citizens are our people. We can turn education around. We can formulate better plans to avoid war but yet promote the welfare of other countries.

The first step to fixing something is to admit it is broken. Lately I hear that our country is broken in a lot of places. So, perhaps we will fix those breaks and establish a more co-existing strategy for Global existence. One can hope.

Answer 2

I am amused by the answer which suggests the US's 'cultural heritage' will last as the Romans has. What cultural heritage? Much of what is American is an aping of Rome (not surprising when the Founding Fathers were basically English country gentlemen transported 3000 miles across the Atlantic, but who had been brought up on a classical education) - why, the very architecture of the USA's capital city seeks to follow Roman architecture (as does much of similar architecture in Western Europe, I admit) and they even have a 'Senate', copying Rome. Heaven help us if in 2000 years time 'now' is remembered by a mishmash of Elvis Presley, Big Macs, Disney world and Bible Belt Christianity. Much or Rome's success was due to the elite of the colonised areas wanting to become Romans, and obtain Roman citizenship. I don't see much evidence of that in out present day world. America has no heaven sent right to be 'on top for ever.' I doubt, in fact, that it's current pre-eminence will last more than another 100 years. Its position at present is due solely to military might - economically it will soon be far below China - which has an equally large home market. I also foresee countries like Brazil becoming very important before the end of the 21st century. The interesting things to ponder on are:-

..can the Union last when there appears to be such a wide political gulf between, say the East and the mid-West and the far West?

..will a dynasty arise which will seek to preserve power in its own hands - and an 'Emperor' appear? Are we seeing the signs of this now? (I don't think there has been another example of a son following a father in the Presidency, with a brother waiting in the wings, no doubt anxious to have the 'crown' passed to him)

Answer 3

I think it all depends really, as with a lot in this world. It doesn't feel like our country is as "united" as it should be and was meant to be. I believe we could do a lot better, everyone is in such a hurry to get things done I don't think we as a nation are thinking and working together as much as we should be doing. And one nation can never stand alone without allies, at least not for long. We are also taking so much for granted too, and if we and the world keep that up there won't be anything left for anyone.

Answer 4

The Nazis were a incredible civilization too and the fell in just 12 years. What makes the US so special? If you are keeping scores, the Communists managed 75 years.
I think you are dreaming if you think the US will last as long as the Romans did though.

Answer 5

Like the romans, the US will probably fail not because of direct pressures from overseas (invasions etc) but will overstretch itself in its overseas projects (such as Iraq, Afghanistan, N Korea, etc) which will cause political, social and economic problems within the US itself. These problems will weaken the fabric of American government and will cause first a great change in social government (extremism, whether communist, fascist or religious) which will not have the power to hold the nation together.

How far away this can be is impossible to say, and it will probably only by hindsight that these effects will be understood.

Answer 6

Well if history is any indication of the life span of a culture , I would say we are definitively on our way to self destruction , there are only few differences ... In the Roman time there was lots of space or new land to move to ,for their people to go when it fell apart , which there isn't now , where is any body to go ??
But said that ,give it another 300 years and it will collapse in it self , people will stay most likely where they are, but possibly will exist anarchy , crime , and each for it's own, will prevail ??

Answer 7

If a country with nukes feel that America has taken too much from them, so much that they would rather die and take their enemies with them, America will fall. That falling country will shoot off all it's nukes at America, and that will be that. They'll expect America to blow them from the Earth, but nothings stopping their Nukes from completing it's journey to here.

We all don't have nukes for nothing.

Answer 8

This is the most naive history question ever!! Just look to every other empire/ruling class since history began and you will see the answer staring you in the face.

Answer 9

roman political power fell, but it's empire still lives on today in the very words you use, in your laws, customs, architecture. civilization is much more than political power. the political power of the u.s. will inevitably evaporate, but it's cultural legacy will continue on long after that.

Answer 10

Why would we want to be on top all the time? Wouldn't that get boring? We should FTW every which way we can!!

Oh....we have. Nevermind.