Imagine an influential government brimming with attractive morals, vast acquired lands, and a strong military. Does the Roman Empire come to mind or perhaps the United States? This, in fact, describes both civilizations. The striking parallels between the United States and Rome are alarming; particularly the reasons behind the war, the post-war treatment of soldiers, and the materialistic values ​​of both societies. That being said, one wonders if the United States is on a path to self-destruction much like the collapse of the Roman Empire around 500 AD Although the United States is not classified as an empire, there is evidence that has shown that it has countries imperialized exteriors. Informally, the United States is an empire that attempts to control and revolutionize other countries for selfish reasons. The United States fully believed in the idea of ​​Manifest Destiny, where American settlers thought they were destined to expand the land they owned, and perhaps that same belief is still true. By 1890 there was no more land to own and as a result the United States began waging the Spanish-American War in 1898 to gain more territory. The intentions of the battles appear to reflect those involving the Roman Empire "which spread its laws, its culture, and its peace" in hopes of becoming powerful in the world (Reilly 189). Just like the United States today, the Roman Empire imperialized countries and lands to meet the needs of the empire. Even now, the United States maintains countless military bases around the world to secure and exercise global authority. Even as the Roman Empire grew, it was never satisfied with what it achieved, just as the United States does today (2-13 Bacevich). Currently, the United States places a high value on its military might and often boasts about it in the news. Not only that