Peloponnesian Wars

1. The Creation of the Delian League

1.1. Athens, as the largest Greek polis, wanted to be in charge of the Aegean world after the Persian Wars. Their reason was for food and to be in charge of trade routes to feed their large population.

1.2. In 478 BC The Delian League would be created. Athens and delegates from the Aegean islands and Ionia would share partnership to create a united navy to protect Greece from the Persians.

2. Problems with Delian League

2.1. After Athens became co-controler of the League, they would soon dominate for they has a massive fleet from money donated by other Greek states. (forced to pay by Athens)

2.2. Sparta would soon become a threat to the main controller of the Delian League (Athens)

3. Strategies of War

3.1. Athens tried to avoid land battle so they used their navy they built high walls to Athens from port. (reach food and water)

3.2. The Spartan strategy was to invade and destroy the land surrounding Athens.

4. Effect of War on Athens

4.1. Athens had no longer been a powerful force, while Sparta was established as the leading power of Greece.

4.2. poverty became widespread in the Peloponnese, while Athens found itself completely devastated

5. Spartans - Powerful Warriors

5.1. From seven a Spartan boy would begin and learn to never show weakness or pain.

6. Sparta as the New Possible Controller of the Delian League

6.1. Much of Greece wanted Sparta to protect them from the Persians, sick of Athens

6.2. Greeks could trust them b/c Spartans were conservative people who had little interest in conquering the Aegean. Their focus was their own homeland, managing their own affairs, keeping the helots down, and security.

6.3. Spartans were focused on war to keep their slaves, Helots, captured during war in order when they revolted.

7. Causes of War

7.1. In 465 BC the Helots broke out in Sparta and so they needed aid so Athens sent a force. Sparta dismissed the Athenian fleet offending the Athenians. (Sparta feared Athens would switch sides.)

7.2. Pericles wanted to get rid of Athens last rival, Sparta

7.3. Sparta feared Athens growth and them controlling trade - Sparta's food might be scarce.