Final answer:
The barbarian invasions had a significant impact on the Western Roman Empire, leading to its fragmentation and the end of Roman power in the west. Germanic migrations and invasions played a crucial role in the collapse of Roman authority. While the Western Roman Empire fell, the Eastern Roman Empire remained intact, and the Roman Catholic Church preserved aspects of Roman culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Effect of Barbarian Invasions on the Western Roman Empire
The barbarian invasions had a significant impact on the Western Roman Empire. While the empire had always dealt with barbarian threats, the invasions in the late fourth century CE were different. The barbarians had become better-organized and more capable of defeating large Roman forces. This led to a series of invasions that ultimately fragmented the empire and ended Roman power in the west.
Role of Germanic Migrations and Invasions
The Germanic migrations and invasions played a crucial role in the collapse of Roman authority in the West. The Goths, Vandals, and other Germanic tribes migrated into the Roman Empire, seizing territories and establishing their kingdoms. The Roman elites' failure to support the army and pay taxes further facilitated these migrations.
The Influence of Eastern Roman Empire and the Catholic Church
While the Western Roman Empire succumbed to the barbarian invasions and eventually fell in 476 CE, the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) remained intact. This division was partly due to the focus of resources in the east over a century prior to the invasions. Additionally, the Roman Catholic Church continued to exert strong influence, preserving much of the Roman Empire's culture and language, Latin.