Excessive military spending was key in the fall of Rome. The relentless attacks from the barbarians took a toll on Rome's army. To help the defense of the empire, the government spent excessive amount of money to help pay the soldiers and their supplies. This meant that other necessities like public housing or preserving Roman roads did not get the proper amount of money from the government. This was not good for an empire that was trying to succeed. Without proper and adequate housing, citizens were becoming resentful. Without proper roads, trade with other territories were discouraged because traveling was harder. After many years of persistent attacks, many frustrated Romans lost the will to fight. The government felt the need to hire soldiers from foreign countries and jobless mobs in the city (A). These hired soldiers did not have the personal connection with Rome, so they did not feel the need to have to go all out. These soldiers could be unreliable and would not fight as hard as a Roman soldier. Another downside to having hired soldiers was that the government had to collect more money to pay them. This caused inflation which is when the prices go up (A). To do this, they raised the taxes, making the poor, poorer. Most of the population was already and that could potentially lead to angry citizens. Overspending on the military had a part in the fall of Rome because the citizens had to pay more taxes and were being neglected.
-Kaeso Hirtius Pulcher (Nicholas Tien)
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