Power and Politics: Athens’ Fall from Grace

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Athens’ governmental shift in 501 BC was unprecedented and innovative, being the first notable implementation of democracy in an ancient world inundated in monarchy. This form of government, founded by Cleisthenes, has been instrumental in Western Civilization, especially since the modern age. Democracy gave Athens life, providing not only a well functioning governing system, but also enabling the city-state to grow and survive multiple Persian invasions. However, at the dawn of the Athenian empire and the rise of Pericles, democracy began to die, and Greeks lost their love of freedom when they sought power and glory through their military conquests. I argue that Athenian’s rejection of democracy can be seen through their mistreatment of other states and their lust for power and glory.
Some might argue that, under the rule of Pericles, democracy thrived in Athens. Pericles stood for democracy and dedicated his career to creating an Athens which was not only a beacon to the world but also a shining light of democracy during a Monarchist age. While Pericles was in office, all remnants of the previous oligarchic system were replaced with a democratic system in which all social and economic classes had influence. Pericles praised Athens system of government in his famous funeral oration:
Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others. Our government does not copy our neighbors', but is an example to them. It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not of the few. But while there exists equal justice to all and alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, h...

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... the pattern for western civilization, but, although they were influential, the people of Athens were led astray by wanton aspiration. Imperialism may have won Athens its empire, but it also led to its fall.

Works Cited

Butler, Chris. “The Delian League and the Athenian Empire (478-431 Bce).” The Flow of History. December 3, 2013. Accessed December 3,http://www.flowofhistory.com/units/birth/3/FC23.
Crash Course. “The Persians.” Youtube. February 23, 2012. Accessed December 3,2013.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-mkVSasZIM.
Neptune, Lydia. “Pericles, the Delian League, and the Athenian Golden Age.” Education Portal. February 19, 2014. Accessed February 19, 2014. http://education-portal.com.
Thucydides. Pericles' Funeral Oration. University of Minnesota, Accessed February 19, 2014. http://www1.umn.edu.

Thucydides. The Peloponnesian War. New York: J.M Dent, 1910.

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