After asserting its independence, Rome was led by dictators and consuls all from the aristroctrats. The revolt, after all, had been led by the nobles. Yet the commoners of Rome, the plebeians, were the larger part and demanded more equal and political rights.Inspired by Greek tales of democracy and made determined by the increasing hardships face by the ordinary commoner the plebeians demanded more equality.
In 356 BC Rome saw the first plebeian dictator take office. By 351BC a dictator was a censor and in 342 BC both consuls could be plebeians where previously only one could. By 300 BC the praectorship was open to commoners and the patricians had effectively lost the battle.
Economic and Political Demands
The nobility in Rome had all the power and only they could stand for office.This nobility was a small group of families that dominated all of Rome. …show more content…
There was an assembly of the people that had no real power and it needed approval from Senate. The plebeians felt that they should get more rights and voice in governance, since they also fought in Rome’s wars.
Further, because of the many wars, Rome’s economy was in a dire state. It was the poor who felt the pinch more than any other group. Many had to be sold to slavery to recover debts. This led to greater discontentment and louder demands.
The plebeians submitted several demans to the leaders of Rome, demanding greater freedom and participation in government. The patricians could hardly reject them indefinitely, a plebeian revolt would be costly and they were needed in the army.
In one instance the plebeians withdrew in a battle and Rome suffered a defeat. Thus the demands were listened to one at a time.
Yet the rich used their influence to sway some plebeians who found their ways to power. Over time however the revolution became complete, with plebeains becoming dominant later