- they made bread and held circuses to distract the plebians and keep them from a revolt
- Tiberius Gracchus recognized the advantages of courting the plebians (even though he was ultimately unsuccessful)
- military generals worked that angle - lead an army that conquers a land, then give them a share in the spoils
- soldier's loyalty was to their military leader, not necessarily to Rome or the republic
- julius Caesar (100-44 BC)
- a highly successful general
- he conquered the territory of Gaul
- he made the common folks happy, orator
- made friends in high places
- Pompey (a general who conquered Syria and Palestine)
- Crassus ( the richest man in rome, one of the richest men in all history)
- these men formed the First Triumvirate "rule of three men"
- "crossing the Rubicon" when you have made a decision you can't change it
- serves as a consul
- appoints himself govenor of Gaul
- Pompey is jealous, becomes his rival
- caesars army and pompey's fight and caesar wins 3 times
- in 44 BC he is named dictator, first for 6 months, now for life
- granted citizenship to people in provinces
- expanded the Senate, adding his friends and weakening the institution overall
- created jobs for the poor through public projects such as building roads and aqueducts
- increased pay for soldiers
- started colonies where those without land could own property
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