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Assessing Athens Management Of The Peloponnesian War In Ancient Greek History

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The Peloponnesian War, fought between Athens and Sparta from 431 to 404 BCE, was a significant event in ancient Greek history (Lumen Learning, 2017). The war had a profound impact on Athenian society, particularly on its political system, democracy. Athens' Handling of the Peloponnesian War: In examining the statement from "Boundless World History" by Lumen Learning that suggests democracy in Athens was overthrown in 411 BCE due to its poor handling of the Peloponnesian War, it's essential to delve into the complexities of both Athens' management of the conflict and the subsequent political developments. Firstly, assessing Athens' management of the Peloponnesian War requires an understanding of its military strategies, diplomatic maneuvers, and internal political dynamics. …show more content…

Strategic Mistakes: One significant misstep was Athens' ill-fated expedition to Sicily in 415 BCE. The disastrous campaign drained Athens' military and financial reserves, resulting in a significant loss of manpower and ships. This defeat weakened Athens' position in the war and emboldened its enemies, particularly Sparta and its allies. The inability to effectively manage resources and assess the risks of military campaigns demonstrated shortcomings in Athenian leadership during the war. Financial Drain: Financing the war strained Athens' economy, leading to inflation, increased taxation, and social unrest among its citizens. Internal Discontent: Moreover, Athens' diplomatic blunders further exacerbated its predicament. The decision to impose harsh tribute requirements on its allies within the Delian League, coupled with its heavy-handed treatment of dissent, alienated key allies and fueled resentment against Athenian hegemony. This erosion of goodwill weakened Athens' ability to rally support and manage internal dissent, contributing to its eventual downfall (Lumen Learning,

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