Describe the transition of Rome from a republic to an empire.

The Roman Republic was established around 509 B.C.E. The government they developed at the time and determined by existing conditions sought to establish laws that would limit power in the hands of a few. Thus, power was divided between the Senate (Roman Senate) and the general Roman citizenry (Plebeian Assembly). Divisions in the Republic were brought about by conflicts between the Senate and the Assembly.

The Senate was threatened by the growing strength of the...

The Roman Republic was established around 509 B.C.E. The government they developed at the time and determined by existing conditions sought to establish laws that would limit power in the hands of a few. Thus, power was divided between the Senate (Roman Senate) and the general Roman citizenry (Plebeian Assembly). Divisions in the Republic were brought about by conflicts between the Senate and the Assembly.

The Senate was threatened by the growing strength of the Plebeian Assembly. This further degenerated into conflicts between the aristocracy and the common citizens. Roman expansion and existing conflicts led to a shift towards self-interest by various parties, causing a situation that the Republic sought to suppress. 

This led to the onset of civil wars, emboldened by the march on Rome by Sulla, who was later proclaimed dictator by the Senate. He, in turn, strengthened the Senate at the expense of the assemblies, permanently affecting the balance of power established earlier. More revolts followed, led by the likes of Marcus Lepidus, Pompey Magnus and Julius Caesar, all of whom marched on Rome to assert their authority.

Julius Caesar was later assassinated by members of the Senate. This led to the formation of the second triumvirate (Octavian, Antony and Lepidus) and marked the end of the Roman Republic. Fallout in the second triumvirate saw the rise of Octavian to absolute power. Under a new name referring to his new position, Caesar Augustus (Octavian) ushered a period of peace under Pax Romana that instituted remarkable growth of the Republic into the Roman Empire.