Junto Boys

THIS DAY IN 42 B.C.

Brutus commits suicide


Why?

Marcus Brutus was a leading conspirator in the assassination of his friend Julius Caesar. Although Brutus loved Caesar dearly he felt that the cult of personality was leading to dictatorship and the loss of the Roman Republic. His suicide was a direct result of plan.

Was Brutus right or wrong?

Although it’s difficult to know what would have happened without the assassination, the death of Julius Caesar led to the Roman Civil Wars, which resulted in the death of the conspirators and then ascension of Augustus (Octavian) to Emperor. In short, the Republic was lost anyway.

Importance to History

The combination of Julius Caesar’s success on the battlefield and his populist urges threatened to weaken the central tenants of this Republican government. Since our founders saw the old Roman Republic as a primary influence on our constitution, it’s interesting to see the similar power struggles play out today.

Is Republican government tenable?

So far history would suggest it isn’t. Any government that begins by focusing on freedom and individual liberty eventually brings enough prosperity that citizens blame that freedom for the inequity that will arise from differing abilities and ambitions. In some crazy paradox, many who find great success can be the biggest critics of the system that allowed it.

What if Brutus had won?

With American’s current example, you’d have to conclude that the success of Brutus only would have delayed the inevitable. But it’s possible that the continuation of the Roman Republic may have saved Rome’s eventual fall and even influenced the governments of Europe. If nothing else, it makes you appreciate what a bold move our founders made reaching back 1800 years for inspiration.

Do Americans understand Republican government?

Our educational system has done a very poor job of explaining why America came into existence and why our current track is following the welfare state patterns of the European continent, a place we were trying to escape.