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Despite the moral and cultural fragmentation, it is clear that imperial expansion brought prosperity. Wealth flowed in from the territories Rome occupied, especially in the Eastern provinces rich in resources. However, as the empire expanded, it grappled with internal inconsistencies—between traditional values and the allure of newfound wealth, between consolidating power and managing a diverse populace.
This transition parallels modern times, where the United States stands at a crossroads, embracing globalization while struggling with domestic identity. Just as Rome saw its citizens grapple with a pride of heritage amidst the shifts, contemporary Americans face a similar challenge, navigating between a collective history and the pressures of a modern, global state.