Republicanism:
- After removal of the last king Tarquinius, the Senate voted to never again allow the rule of a king and reformed Rome into a republican government in 509 BC
- British North American colonies declared their independence against the British Empire, and after winning the Revolutionary War, the colonies declared themselves a constitutional federal republic and voted to never again allow to submit a king.
Two-party system
- The political system in Roman Republic had two parties, Populares and Optimates, that in US have two main parties, Republicans and Democrats
Rise as a power:
- Rome became a mediterranean power after defeating Carthage in the two Punic Wars.
- US became a global superpower after defeating Germany in two World Wars.
- Romans annihilated celtic tribes as the americans proceeded with native tribes.
Politics:
- As during the Roman Republic, elections for a limited time in the US are expensive, and many politicians are indebted to interest groups.
- Patricians greatly influence the election as US corporations influence elections today.
- As ancient roman politicians, American politicians aim for high public office to accumulate a personal wealth.
- Roman Consuls were elected for a limited period, American presidents are elected for a limited period
- Rome had a Senate, US have a Senate/Parliament
Profitable wars:
- Roman Empire getting rich after wars in Macedonia, Gaul, Hispania, Dacia or Britania.
- American military industry earned huge profits from a recent local wars like Vietnam War, Korean War, War in Afghanistan or Iraq War
- 50% from roman treasury was invested in the army , as much like US military & defence budget
- Both have great professional armies
Preventive war:
- In 149 BC, Cato the Elder has called for the destruction of Carthage for its rise commercial represent a potential threat.
- In 2003, the Bush administration initiated the invasion of Iraq because Saddam Hussein had WMD hidden.
Civil War
- As Roman Republic which was devastated by a series of civil wars in first century BC, in 1860-1865, US it went through a secessionist war.
External influences:
- Like the Roman Empire, the US role in foreign relations and diplomacy is high to ensure their interests and maintain stability.
Selfless Leadership
- Rooted in agrarian societies, commitment to family and mutual citizen interdependence were basic in each society. Cincinnatus, a Roman farmer, saved the republic from invading Aequi tribes in 458 B.C. and again in 439 B.C. when a conspiracy threatened the government. In both cases, he was named dictator, but shortly thereafter resigned his commission to return to farming. George Washington, a Virginia farmer who led the fight against the British, resigned after his second term as president to return to his Virginia estate. Both men are examples of leaders who put the needs of their country before their personal interests.
Eternal Cities
- Rome and Washington DC have much in common in terms of urban and arhitectural planning.
Middle class
- In the period before the fall of the Republic, the middle class was ruined by cheap labor of slaves.
- Differences between rich and poor increased.
- Today, thanks to the financial crisis, the middle class stagnated because many Chinese are willing to work efficient for low wages and fewer rights.
Tolerance
- With rare exceptions, Rome was an open society for many ethnicities and religions as USA today.Rome welcomed other people – particularly its vanquished enemies – into Roman citizenship, even accepting the gods of the newcomers.
Infrastructure
- Like the Roman Empire, the US benefits from an advanced sewage system,swimming pool like roman public baths, pipeline like a roman aqueduct, roads, bridges, concrete buildings with floors and windows glasses and Shopping Malls like oldest roman forums
Language
- Latin was dominant in the Mediterranean as global English in present.
Entertainment
- If the Romans builded circular amphitheatres for battles between gladiators , americans build circular arenas for football matches.
The threat from outside
- Migratory populations as Vandals, Huns, Visigoths posed a great threat to the borders of the Roman Empire
- Islamic terrorists pose a threat to US security and interests.
Conflict with Persia
- Parthian Empire and the Roman Empire have been in continuous rivalry as the US and Iran
Religion
- Religion Christian, mostly in the US, have many traditions and holidays taken by Roman paganism: example- Christmas / Saturnalia, Valentine's Day / Lupercalia
- Roman Empire face off with the spread of Christianity, the US faces the spread of Islam.
Ascension of China
- In the roman empire period, Han dynasty flourish.
- Recently, China aims to become a global economic power.
Other comparisons?