because they bit off more than they could chew(i.e. unlimited cancerous expanionism) Why can't we learn a lesson from history ?
2007-04-15 17:45:21 · 4 answers · asked by Caysie101 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Hi Caycie,
The historian Paul Kennedy refered to what you are suggesting as, "Imperial Overstretch." And you're right. According to Kennedy, this is why the great empires fail. They grow so big, they have to expend increasing amount of money to hold on to what they've got.
It's a viscious cycle. You grow an empire for wealth. Then you need to protect your interests, so you end up spending wealth to hold on. And eventually the cost of empire becomes greater than the benefits, and the rot sets in.
You'd think that we'd learn from history; but unfortunately, people can be slow on the uptake.
Great question. Cheers.
2007-04-15 21:29:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Collectively, people can't learn their lesson because the emotional, instinctive side of human nature will always win out over the introspective, observational side.
2007-04-16 02:56:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, all empires over stretch themselves which results in unrest at home as more money is spent to keep the empire intact.
2007-04-16 01:30:10 · answer #3 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
england never really "fell" they lost their top spot due to cancerous expansionism but their still a great country
2007-04-16 00:54:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋