Use the quote to answer the question.
“A great empire, like a great cake, is most easily diminished at the edges.” —Benjamin Franklin, “Rules by Which a Great Empire May be Reduced to a Small One,” September 11, 1773
Which of these statements best analyzes how events that led to the fall of the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty supported Franklin’s statement?(1 point)
Both were fragmented into smaller sections by their imperial rulers
Both collapsed as a result of power struggles within each imperial court.
Both were ruled by ineffective emperors who relied on corrupt advisors.
Both were invaded by nomadic groups who first attacked regions farthest away from the seats of government
Both were invaded by nomadic groups who first attacked regions farthest away from the seats of government.
The statement that best analyzes how events that led to the fall of the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty supported Franklin's statement is: Both were invaded by nomadic groups who first attacked regions farthest away from the seats of government.
The quote by Benjamin Franklin suggests that a great empire is most easily weakened or diminished at its edges. To analyze how events that led to the fall of the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty supported this statement, we can examine the given options:
1. Both were fragmented into smaller sections by their imperial rulers.
This statement aligns with Franklin's quote as it suggests that both the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty experienced fragmentation at their edges. In the case of the Roman Empire, as it grew larger, it became difficult to maintain control over the distant provinces, leading to decentralization and the formation of smaller kingdoms. Similarly, the Han Dynasty faced regional fragmentation, with warlords asserting independence in outlying areas.
2. Both collapsed as a result of power struggles within each imperial court.
While power struggles within the imperial courts may have contributed to the fall of both empires, this statement does not directly support Franklin's idea of empire diminishment at the edges. Instead, it implies that internal conflicts played a greater role in their downfall.
3. Both were ruled by ineffective emperors who relied on corrupt advisors.
While ineffective rulers and corrupt advisors can contribute to the decline of an empire, this statement does not explicitly relate to the idea of empire diminishment at the edges. It focuses more on the shortcomings of the emperors and their trusted advisors rather than the geographic or territorial aspects.
4. Both were invaded by nomadic groups who first attacked regions farthest away from the seats of government.
This statement directly corresponds to Franklin's idea as it indicates that both the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty experienced invasions by nomadic groups at their edges, specifically targeting regions farthest away from the centers of government. This supports the notion that empires are most vulnerable and easily diminished at their peripheries.
Therefore, the statement "Both were invaded by nomadic groups who first attacked regions farthest away from the seats of government" best aligns with Franklin's quote and explains how events leading to the fall of the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty supported his statement.