Who were the patricians and plebeians and why were they in conflict with each other?

http://www.answers.com/patricians

http://www.answers.com/plebeians

http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/romeancientrome/a/12tablets.htm

Thank you these links worked a bunch! :-)

You're welcome. :-)

The patricians and plebeians were two distinct social classes in Ancient Rome. The patricians were the wealthy and privileged aristocracy, while the plebeians were the common people who made up the majority of the population.

The conflict between these two groups, known as the "Conflict of the Orders," arose due to the stark inequality in political and economic power. The patricians held all of the important positions in the government, monopolized land ownership, and controlled the laws. On the other hand, the plebeians had limited rights, faced economic hardships, and were often burdened with heavy debts.

One of the major sources of conflict was the inability of the plebeians to hold high political offices or become consuls, the highest magistrates in Rome. Moreover, they were subject to unfair treatment by the patrician magistrates and were often exploited by debt-bondage.

In response to these grievances, the plebeians demanded reforms to secure their rights and address their socio-economic struggles. They first began organizing themselves into a separate assembly called the Plebeian Assembly, which allowed them to elect their own representatives, known as tribunes, who could veto laws that were considered unfair to the plebeians.

Over time, the plebeians achieved several important victories through their struggle. The Twelve Tables, a written legal code, was established in 451-450 BC, granting some basic rights and protections to all Roman citizens. In 287 BC, the plebeian tribunes gained the power to propose laws that would apply to all Romans, regardless of their social class.

Through this ongoing conflict, the plebeians gradually gained political power and rights, leading to a more balanced society in Rome. This struggle between the patricians and plebeians contributed to the development of representative government and the expansion of rights for ordinary citizens in Ancient Rome.