Why Empires Form

Empires form after a case of turmoil or chaos within the region or state.  What sometimes happens after the anarchical period is that a person gaining power steps in and declares rule over smaller territories.  They then proceed to continue their expansion to obtain more power.  For example, Qin Shihuangdi of China did this in the late 200's BCE.  He took control over China because he was able to step into power and enforce his family's rule.  Another example of a man uniting a common people is Chandragupta Maurya of India.  He came to power to fill the power vacuum left by Alexander of Macedon after he and his troops left India.  Chandragupta became the first Indian Emperor, and spread Indian influence by conquering neighboring peoples.  Rome followed a different course in becoming an empire; instead of there being a power struggle, there was a lack of one.  The lower class plebs refused to fight for the rest of the Romans.  Therefore, the Roman ruling class decided to have delegates to voice the issues of the lower class citizens.  Because of this, Rome became more united.  With their unity came a spread of their power to neighboring peoples.  Thus, the Roman Empire was formed due to a sense of unity among people of all social classes, providing power to the city to expand outside of Italy.