Why did roman repuplic become an empire during Augustus's rule?

Answer 1

The Term Roman Empire can be confusing because historians often use it to indicate the period of rule by emperors which followed the Republic. However, the Republic already had an empire. Much of Rome's imperial expansion occurred during the Republic.

The Republic fell under the weight of imperialism. It had become dysfunctional because of it. The central government lost control over the provinces (conquered territories). The governors of the provinces acted independently from Rome. The professionalisation of the army led to soldiers being loyal to their military commanders. These men could use their soldiers to obtain what they wanted through violence or the threat of violence. Corruption was rampant and endemic. The senators became unpopular and were seen as being only concerned with the interests of the aristocracy. All this led to civil wars. In the first one Julius Caesar fought and defeated the forces of the senate. He then concentrated power in his hands to feed his personal ambition, to create a strong central government, make reforms and address the plight of the poor. After his assassination there were more civil wars which continued a power struggle which led to the fall of the Republic.

There was the Liberators' War (44-42 BC) where Octavian (later he was called Augustus) and Mark Antony fought and defeated Caesar's assassins who called themselves Liberators. Then was the Sicilian Revolt (44-36 BC) where Octavian defeated other former opponents of Caesar. In the Perusine War (41-40 BC) Mark Antony's younger brother and his wife fought Octavian. Octavian won. In the Final Civil War of the Roman Republic (32-30 BC) Octavian defeated mark Antony and his ally, Cleopatra VII of Egypt. Octavian won this war as well, and the struggle for power. He became the most powerful man in Rome. He was in charge of the army and had accumulated a massive wealth during the wars. In 27 BC he became the first emperor as Augustus.