Why Empires Fall

Flashcards about why empires fail

Why do empires fail?

Empires collapse when interdependent systems change due to external or internal issues.

How can climate change lead to the collapse of an empire?

Climate change, such as cooler weather, can affect agricultural production, leading to food shortages and susceptibility to disease.

What are some potential outcomes of an empire being invaded by a rival state?

Expansion of the invading state, loss of land, destruction of cities and livestock, or complete destruction of the invaded empire.

What factors make invasions possible?

Superior numbers, organization, resources, or technology of the rival state, combined with weaknesses of the state being invaded.

What internal issues can lead to the collapse of empires?

Failure to maintain systems like taxation and transportation, corruption, civil war, rebellion, and independence movements.

What are some examples of natural disasters that can affect empires?

Earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, floods, and large storms.

How did the earthquake in 749 CE affect the Umayyad Caliphate?

It severely damaged or destroyed most of the cities between Egypt and Damascus, disrupting population, trade, and tax collection.

How did the tsunami from the Santorini volcano eruption affect the Minoan civilization?

It destroyed all settlements on the north coast of Crete and weakened the Minoan civilization.

How do volcanic eruptions affect agriculture and people?

Releases ash and dust into the atmosphere, affecting weather patterns, global temperatures, plant growth, and agriculture.

What were the results of the volcanic eruptions in 536, 540, and 547 CE?

Led to disrupted weather and crop failures worldwide, causing decline and eventual collapse of empires like the Teotihuacan, Sasanian, and Gupta empires.

What was the 4.2 Kiloyear Event and how did it affect empires?

From 2200 BCE to 2000 BCE, the Earth's climate became much cooler and drier, leading to crop failure, starvation, and the collapse of civilizations.

What were the effects of decreased precipitation during the 4.2 Kiloyear Event?

Cooler and drier climates, less water for rivers, less flooding, crop failure, starvation, spread of disease, and movement of people seeking resources.

What was the Antonine Plague and how did it affect the Roman Empire?

An outbreak of smallpox that caused approximately 5 million deaths, weakening the Roman armies and leading to invasions.

How did outbreaks of smallpox affect China during the Han Dynasty?

Outbreaks of smallpox devastated China, leading to the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the collapse of the Han Emperor's authority.