Question

Which of these factors led to the decline and eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire? Select all that apply.

Constantine was a weak ruler.
Inflation was causing economic problems.
People were less interested in serving in government or in the military.
Too many Roman citizens wanted to join the army.
Outside invaders threatened the border areas.

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- Inflation was causing economic problems.
- People were less interested in serving in government or in the military.
- Outside invaders threatened the border areas.

Brief explanations:
- Economic problems: chronic inflation (from coin debasement), heavy taxation, and disruption of trade weakened the Western economy.
- Decline in service: fewer Roman citizens were willing or able to serve in the legions or in civil administration, forcing reliance on mercenaries and undermining state capacity.
- External pressures: migrations and invasions by groups such as the Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths and Huns stressed and ultimately broke the frontier defenses (sacks of Rome in 410 and 455, and the deposition of Romulus Augustulus in 476).

Not correct:
- "Constantine was a weak ruler." — Constantine was a strong and influential emperor (foundation of Constantinople, legalization of Christianity) and is not typically counted among causes of the Western collapse.
- "Too many Roman citizens wanted to join the army." — The problem was the opposite: too few loyal Roman recruits, leading to dependence on non-Roman troops.