Explanation: After the Battle of Cannae, wherein a massive amount of troops of the Roman Republic were lost against the Carthaginian military genius Hannibal Barca, the Roman Republic was in dire straits. Battles of that magnitude had ended entire wars in other countries, and most sane polities would sue for peace.
But Rome wasn't! Suing for peace! Or sane, for that matter.
The Roman Republic had a mental-sickness level of civic pride and stubbornness, something that was widely noted both by Romans and outside observers. The Republic was no idealistic, democratic institution, though it did have democratic elements - but one of the many things the Romans prided themselves on was practicality. When it got down to brass tacks, they, the PEOPLE, were willing to do whatever it took, class relations, cultural norms, government processes, be damned!
They stripped rich folk of their property and citizenship for dodging the draft. The Republic purchased volunteer slaves to free and grant citizenship to, in exchange for service in the Republican Legions. They banned mourning, taxed jewelry, opened the ranks of the legions to all volunteers, empowered their Italian allies. Whatever it took to win. Whatever it took to AVENGE ROMAN HONOR
Rome, by legend, was founded as a city of criminals, outcasts, and other folk of low social status. They were not going to be defeated because they refused men of low social status a part in the Republic's defense!