Page:Roman Constitutional History, 753-44 B.C..djvu/120

106 aided the lower classes, and relieved the economic distress which caused the recent secession; but the rapid extension of Roman territory afforded the noble and the rich sufficient land for exploitation, without oppressing the lower classes at home. Furthermore, the extension of Roman sovereignty over Italy led to the founding of many large colonies, which furnished thousands of poor people with farms and relieved the population of Rome. The flourishing condition of the Roman finances usually made it unnecessary to levy any temporary taxes (tributa), and the increase of capital probably reduced the rate of interest The middle class — the mainstay of the republic — was strengthened also by the wise practice of incorporating numerous subject communities with the state, and seems to have been in as good a condition now as at any time during the republic. Finally, foreign affairs overshadowed all domestic questions, and glorious victories silenced opposition.

II. The First Punic War and the First Roman Provinces.

Difficulties of the First Punic War. — The national concord was put to the severest test in the first Punic war. The Romans at first did not realize the magnitude and the difficulties of a war with the chief naval power of the Mediterranean. The senate was excellently trained and qualified for the management of Italian affairs; and the Roman military system, with its splendid discipline and its principle of collegiate command, was well adapted to the ordinary Italian wars. In these the campaigns were usually short, strategy played a subordinate part, and Roman tactics and personal prowess carried the day. But in the first Punic war it was necessary to plan and direct operations extending over long periods and at comparatively great distances