Overview
Why do great civilizations collapse? Is the United States repeating the mistakes of ancient Rome? John Stossel and historian Johan Norberg explore how the Roman Empire rose through meritocracy and trade but ultimately fell due to runaway inflation and excessive government spending. This engaging video connects these historical lessons to modern economic challenges, arguing that we can avoid a similar decline by choosing innovation and freedom over debt and restriction.

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Lesson Insights

Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: History
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• identify key factors that contributed to the rise and fall of ancient Rome;
• explain how patterns in Rome’s decline compare to challenges faced by modern nations;
• analyze the role of trade, openness, and government policy in shaping a civilization’s strength; and
• evaluate which historical lessons from Rome should matter most for America’s future.

Key concepts and terms covered
Barbarian Invaders, Bread and Circuses, Citizenship, Entitlements, Golden Age, Inflation, Meritocracy, Price Controls, and Trade.

Sample discussion questions
• What is one reason the video gives for Rome’s rise to power?
• How can trade and openness to new ideas help a civilization grow stronger?
• What warning did the video give about debt, money, and long-term stability?
• Why does the video suggest that blame does not fix a civilization’s problems?
• Which lesson from Rome do you think matters most for America’s future, and why?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 20-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, classroom activities, and the full video transcript.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.