Question

What solutions did Augustus provide for the political problems that had plagued the Roman Republic? Why was the Roman population willing to accept Augustus as head of the state?

Book Western Civilization (His 101)

Answer 1

Augustus managed the elections to reduce inefficiency and corruption, the threats to peace, and reduce the distinction between Romans and Italians; seeing to it that promising young man would hold office despite their ethnicity.

Augustus restored public monuments, temples, revived old traditions and priesthoods, and banned the worship of foreign gods. He encouraged marriage and families to have children financially rewarding those with three or more; and taxed men over 38 for being unmarried, debarring them for activities and inheritances. He made the laws stricter for divorce and adultery and created laws preventing marriage outside certain social statuses.

The population was willing to accept Augustus because of his immense power stemmed from his battles, his vast army loyal to only him that could be used against the Senate, respect, and fear of the Senate after trying to relinquish all power to them knowing his capabilities, and the respect of the people. Also, being the nephew of Julius Caesar probably helped his achievements. He was the only person remaining after the civil war and defeat of Caesar’s assassins. He eliminated all his competition all his adversaries leaving only him.