Western civilization - Coursework Example

Western civilization Why did Athens and Sparta fight each other in the Peloponnesian War? The major cause of the Peloponnesian war was as a result of the Spartan fearing the Athenss increasing power and success. The Athens’s rule over majority of the Mediterranean section in conjunction with the Greece/Hellas, fifty years prior to the war, resulted to this war.2. What was Alexander trying to achieve in his military campaigns?Alexander had various ambitions that he wanted to achieve when he assumed the power soon after the death of his power through his military campaigns.

They include;He wanted to revenge for the invasion by Xerxes in 480BC.He had the ambition of conquering Asia Revenge for the killing of Philip II by Darius.Re-enactment of Greek conquest of Troy by Archilles.3. Why did Rome become a great power?The naval dominance that had raised after conquering almost all the Italian peninsula that made it gain control over the strategic coastline along Mediterranean Sea.There was `improved stability, protection, commerce and stable government. These emanated from the protection of its captives, the centralized trade currency and united governance that led to general stability of the whole empire.

Improvement of infrastructure due to innovative technologies such as cement mixing technologies that led to general rise of strong empire.In Rome there was centralization of base product such as wheat to avoid food insecurity thus reducing the possibility of riots and instability.The Roman Empire rose to power due to endowed Christianity religion that acted as a unifying factor within and outside the empire.Rome introduced the first military army that was well trained and disciplined than any other in Europe.

Protection of Rome culture was also a unifying factor that lead rise of strong and powerful Roman Empire (Hanson 2005).4. Why did the Roman Republic eventually collapse, giving rise to the Roman Empire?There was a series of civil wars and conflict during the reign of Julius Caesar who was a dictator was later assassinated in 44 BC. The success of Octavian (Caesars adopted son) over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC made him resume the leadership of the empire. Octavian’s power was very strong and this made the roman senate to formally grant him overarching power and new title Augustus.

This marked the end of Roman Republic and thus the rise of the Roman Empire (Hanson 2005).5. What were the reasons for the decline of the Roman Empire?There was abuse of power by the leaders and rise of Christianity religion that was against pagan. There were frequent invasions and civil wars within the empire. There was financial and military decline within the empire. The partial loss of diocese of Africa and the renewed dissension after the death of Constantius was also factor that led to fall of Roman Empire.

There were puppets of the warlords in the empire.6. What role did the Catholic Church play in the early Middle Ages?The church provided hospital care to people.Preach of salvation to the people.The church organizations provided security and gave directions to travelers on their way through the land.It provided refuge for refugees and asylum seekers.7. Why did feudalism become the dominant social system in Europe?The disintegration of roman institutions provided an avenue for the rise of feudalism.

The church also influenced shaping and development of feudalism.8. Why was England relatively easy to unify, while France was far more difficult?In England there was centralization of power thus unification of the people was simple while in France they shown up divided resistance thus it was difficult to unify them 9. Were the leaders of the Catholic Church entirely responsible for the Reformation?NO; other protestant leaders like Martin Luther were also responsible for reformation.10. Why did the conquest of the Americas give the Europeans an immense advantage overother world civilizations?

America was one the richest lands by then. The conquer of Americas meant that they could get a lot of material support from America that gave them immense advantage over other world civilizations.Work citedHanson, Victor. A War Like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War. New York: Random House, 2005. Print.