Conquest or Collaboration: How Do Empires Rise?

Debate Prompt:

"Resolved: Throughout history, the most powerful empires primarily achieved and maintained their dominance through strategies of conquest rather than collaboration."

Debate Structure:

1. Opening Statements (2 minutes per side): Each side presents their main argument and introduces key supporting points.
2. Rebuttal (3 minutes per side): Each side responds to the opposing side's opening statement, challenging their claims.
3. Cross-Examination (2 minutes total): Teams can ask clarifying questions to the opposing side.
4. Open Discussion (10 minutes): The floor is open for a more fluid discussion, with students from both sides engaging respectfully and using evidence.
5. Closing Statements (1 minute per side): Each side summarizes their strongest points and reiterates their main argument.

Guiding Questions & Considerations:

• What constitutes "conquest"? (e.g., military force, economic domination, cultural assimilation)
• What constitutes "collaboration"? (e.g., alliances, treaties, trade agreements, shared cultural practices)
• Can an empire utilize both? If so, which is more fundamental to its rise and long-term stability?
• Consider examples from the Imperial Echoes Gallery Slide Deck and Voices from the Empire Reading.
• Think about the short-term gains versus long-term stability of each approach.

Voices from the Empire: Primary Source Excerpts

Excerpt 1: A Roman Historian on Conquest

"The Romans, having subdued all the nations on every side, and spread their empire over the whole world, thought it necessary to secure their conquests by severe laws and by punishing those who resisted. For a people accustomed to freedom could not easily be brought to endure servitude, unless their spirits were broken by fear and their lands by superior force. Thus, the peace of Rome was established not by treaties alone, but by the might of our legions and the discipline we imposed upon the vanquished."

– Adapted from Tacitus, Agricola, c. 98 AD

Excerpt 2: A Mongol Official on Administration

"Our Great Khan, by the grace of Eternal Heaven, has brought many peoples under his protection. Though some initially resisted, they soon understood the wisdom of unity. We do not demand they abandon their gods or customs, only that they acknowledge the Khan and contribute to the common good. Roads are safe, trade flourishes, and justice is administered fairly to all who abide by the Great Yassa. Those who cooperate find prosperity; those who defy, find swift judgment."

– Adapted from Secret History of the Mongols, c. 1240 AD (fictionalized interpretation)

Excerpt 3: A Persian Decree on Governance

"King Darius the Great proclaims: By the favor of Ahuramazda, these are the lands which I hold, with the help of the Persian army, which I rule; which brought me tribute; which did what was commanded them by me; Media, Elam, Parthia, Aria, Bactria, Sogdia, Chorasmia, Drangiana, Arachosia, Sattagydia, Gandara, India, Sacae, Babylonia, Assyria, Arabia, Egypt, Armenia, Cappadocia, Sparda, Ionia, the Sacae beyond Sogdia, Thrace, Petasians, Kushiya. I protect them all, and they shall not be defeated if they follow my laws and pay their due. I do not oppress them, but allow each to live according to their own traditions."

– Adapted from the Behistun Inscription of Darius I, c. 520 BC

Excerpt 4: A British Colonial Administrator on Progress

"It is our sacred duty to civilize and uplift the peoples of our vast empire. While some may view our presence as an intrusion, we bring them the blessings of modern governance, education, and infrastructure. We establish law and order where there was chaos, and introduce technologies that improve their lives. Though there may be initial resistance, it is for their ultimate benefit, and many eventually come to appreciate the progress and stability that British rule affords."

– Adapted from a Victorian-era colonial report (fictionalized perspective)

Conquest or Collaboration: How Do Empires Rise?

## Debate Prompt:
"Resolved: Throughout history, the most powerful empires primarily achieved and maintained their dominance through strategies of conquest rather than collaboration."

## Debate Structure:
1. Opening Statements (2 minutes per side): Each side presents their main argument and introduces key supporting points.
2. Rebuttal (3 minutes per side): Each side responds to the opposing side's opening statement, challenging their claims.
3. Cross-Examination (2 minutes total): Teams can ask clarifying questions to the opposing side.
4. Open Discussion (10 minutes): The floor is open for a more fluid discussion, with students from both sides engaging respectfully and using evidence.
5. Closing Statements (1 minute per side): Each side summarizes their strongest points and reiterates their main argument.

## Guiding Questions & Considerations:
* What constitutes