Final answer:
Option B and C: The Western Roman Empire was more susceptible to societal disruptions due to its vulnerable military frontiers, economic hardships, and political fragmentation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Western Roman Empire was more prone to societal disruption compared to the Eastern Roman Empire primarily due to economic stability, military strength, and political fragmentation. The west struggled with a longer frontier to defend, which led to military exhaustion and vulnerability. Moreover, the Western Empire had less urbanization compared to the East, compounding economic difficulties. Cities in the west decayed as the focus shifted to rural areas, undermining the social fabric that held the empire together. These issues were comparatively less impactful in the Eastern Roman Empire, which maintained a stronger economy, military, and cultural unity.
Furthermore, the loss of large territories in the west shrunk tax revenues significantly, putting a strain on the Western Empire’s economy, compounding its inability to sustain itself or its military. Conversely, the Eastern Empire, with Constantinople at its core, retained higher levels of cultural unity, stronger military power, and a more stable economy, which reinforced the loyalty and identity of its citizens.
Additionally, the rise of the Roman Church in the west, with its efforts to convert and align various groups under Christian beliefs, marked a transitional period to medieval culture, which was different from the east where Roman identity remained robust.