De val van Rome versus de VS : it's over

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Op zondag 9 maart 2025 18:43 schreef FlippingCoin het volgende:
Yes, Rome experienced several periods when it accepted large numbers of refugees and migrants, some of which contributed to its instability and eventual decline. However, it is important to understand that the fall of Rome was a complex process influenced by many factors, including economic issues, military problems, political corruption, and external pressures.

Notable Instances of Refugees in Rome's Decline:

1. The Gothic Refugees (376 AD)
One of the most significant refugee events occurred in 376 AD when the Roman Empire allowed the Visigoths (a Germanic tribe) to cross the Danube River and settle within Roman territory. The Visigoths were fleeing the Huns, who were expanding from the east.

The Romans agreed to settle the Visigoths as foederati (allied troops) in exchange for military service.

However, Roman officials mismanaged the situation, exploiting the Goths by overcharging for food and mistreating them.

This led to the Gothic Revolt (378 AD), culminating in the catastrophic Battle of Adrianople, where Emperor Valens was killed, and the Roman army suffered a massive defeat.

The Visigoths continued to move within the empire, eventually sacking Rome in 410 AD under Alaric I.


2. The Vandals, Alans, and Suebi Invasion (406 AD)

On December 31, 406 AD, a large group of Germanic and Iranian (Alans) refugees and warriors crossed the frozen Rhine River, entering Roman Gaul.

These groups were not just seeking refuge but also raided Roman lands. The Roman military was too weak to stop them, leading to the fragmentation of Roman control in the west.

The Vandals later moved into North Africa, capturing Carthage in 439 AD, which crippled Rome’s grain supply and economy.


3. The Hunnic Pressure and the Fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th Century AD)

Many Germanic tribes, including the Ostrogoths and Visigoths, fled westward due to the expansion of the Huns.

Rome struggled to integrate these groups, and many became independent warlords within Roman borders.

The final blow came in 476 AD, when the Germanic leader Odoacer deposed the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus.


Was Refugee Acceptance the Main Cause of Rome’s Fall?

Not entirely. While the inability to integrate large numbers of displaced people contributed to Rome’s military and political instability, other factors played a major role:

Economic decline: Heavy taxation, inflation, and reliance on slave labor weakened Rome’s economy.

Military decline: Rome relied more on mercenary armies, many of whom were from the same migrating tribes.

Political corruption: Frequent civil wars and weak leadership weakened central authority.

Plague and disease: Epidemics further weakened the population and military.


Conclusion

Rome's acceptance of refugees was not inherently bad, but its failure to manage and integrate them properly—combined with other systemic issues—contributed to its decline. This highlights an important lesson in history: migration can be a challenge or a benefit, depending on how it is handled.

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Op zondag 9 maart 2025 19:22 schreef Kip_Frites_Appelmoes het volgende:

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Wat betreft de Mexicanen vergis je je. Nu zullen de Mexicanen niet de hele Verenigde Staten veroveren. Maar in een aantal staten in het zuidwesten van de Verenigde Staten, waaronder Texas en California, maken de Mexicanen al een heel groot deel van de bevolking uit. Het zuidwesten van de Verenigde Staten maakte vroeger ook deel uit van Mexico en veel Mexicanen willen het graag terughebben. De Mexicaanse reconquista is onafwendbaar.

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Op zondag 9 maart 2025 20:07 schreef Cockwhale het volgende:
Ik vind Trump eerder een Caligula.

Nero vind ik ook wel passend, maar Nero kon tenminste nog instrument spelen.

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