World Civilization Assignment: Conflicts, Expansion, and Impact

This World Civilization assignment explores two key historical periods: the conflicts between Athens and Sparta, and the expansion of the Roman Empire. The assignment analyzes the causes of tension between Athens and Sparta, including the growing power of Athens and Sparta's strategic alliances and military focus. It also delves into the Peloponnesian War. The second part of the assignment examines the economic and political consequences of Roman expansion, highlighting the enslavement of conquered peoples, the empire's vast territorial control, and the impact on its wealth and social structure. The assignment also touches on the role of slavery and infrastructure like the Roman road system, while also acknowledging the challenges and costs associated with managing the vast empire, including financial burdens and external threats.

Running head: WORLD CIVILIZATION 1
WORLD CIVILIZATION
Name of Student
Institutional Affiliation

WORLD CIVILIZATION 2
WORLD CIVILIZATION
Question One
The tensions between Athens and Sparta climaxed with the breakout of wars between the
two nations including Persian wars, which lasted up to 449 BCE and Peloponnesian war that
lasted between 431BC and 404 BC. These were among the most notable battles between Athens
and Sparta. The primary cause of tension between Sparta and Athens was the growing influence
and power of the Athenian Empire. The fact that the two nations were superpowers in
contemporary Greece resulted from ton a situation where Sparta feared Athens growing power
and influence.
One of the tactical moves made by Sparta to gain supremacy over Greece was strategic
alliances. After the start of the first Peloponnesian war, Sparta joined the war in support of the
city of Corinth. It is important to note that the war broke out after Athens was requested for help
by Corfu during its conflict with Corinth. With this development, Sparta joined the war in
support of Corinth ultimately helping it to win the war. The backing of Corinth in its battle with
Corfu was a strategic move that helped it win the support of Corinth and other allies it had
helped. Also, Sparta laid much emphasis on developing its army making it Greek’s strongest
fighting force (Echeverría, 2017). Additionally, Spartan's focus on improving its military
prowess before its defeat during the battle of Leuctra was one of its main reasons for dominance.
To maintain its military prowess, Spartan boys as young as seven years were incorporated into a
state-sponsored military training, education, and socialization program. The country’s culture
was also centered on loyalty to the military and state service

WORLD CIVILIZATION 3
Question 4
The expansion of Roman power in the Mediterranean may be linked to multiple
economic and political consequences. Notably, the expansion led to the enslavement of many
people from the conquered territories. Additionally, with its vast expansion, the Roman Empire
was able to dominate a large percentage of the European continent including Eastern Europe.
Economically speaking, the expansion of the Roman Empire brought to Rome great wealth and
power. The most significant benefit was, however, on the Empire’s wealthy class who acquired
social contacts, slaves and vast amounts of wealth . The increase in the number of salves also
expanded the role of slavery in its economy, leading to the emergence of large estates where
peasants and slaves worked (National Geographic,2019).
Additionally, the Roman road system facilitated trade and enhanced the mobility of the
military. These developments have also been attributed to the downfall of Rome. In particular, as
its empire expanded, so did its need for more resources. Its expansion was therefore affected by
many obstacles. To start with, the cost of managing its vast empire had a considerable
repercussion of Rome’s political administration as well as the treasury . Additionally, the
consequences also included the burden brought about by increased attacks and raids by foreign
communities and tribes. The ongoing warfare had a significant impact on the Roman peasants
who were often forced to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the empire (National Geographic,
2019).

WORLD CIVILIZATION 4
References
Echeverría, F. (2017). The First Peloponnesian War, 460–446 BC. The Encyclopedia of Ancient Battles,
1-7.
History.com. (2019). Sparta. Retrieved 5 October 2019, from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-
history/sparta
National Geographic. (2019). Rome’s Transition from Republic to Empire. Retrieved 5 October 2019,
from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/news/romes-transition-republic-empire/