Learning journal unit 3

HIST 1421
Introduction

Peloponnesian war is between two powerful Greek city states- Athens and Sparta and their

respective allies in the 5th century BCE. It came to an end in 404 BCE when Athens, facing

severe famine and the loss of its navy, surrendered to Sparta. The harsh terms of surrender

imposed by Sparta, including the dismantling of Athens’ Long Walls and the loss of its empire,

marked the end of the conflict. (Cartwright, M., 2 May 2018)

In my opinion, I would like to say Athens could not effectively handle the Peloponnesian War

because all situations came to Athens leading to the surrender of Sparta.

Plague and Internal Discord

Athens had a devastating plague during the early years of the war, which weakened its

population.

Sicily expedition

The Sicily expedition was the worst decision that Athens had ever made during the war.

Although Athens thought control of Sicily could be beneficial to them receiving the resources.

However, Athens faced several setbacks and challenges. Initially, the Athenians achieved some

successes, but they encountered resistance from Syracuse, a powerful state in Sicily.

(Sicilian Expedition, 23 September 2023) The conflict became protracted and the Athenians

found themselves in condition. In 413 BCE, Athens' retreat was executed, and then defeated,

losing men and ships which was a devastating stage to Athens, reducing their naval power
significantly. This had a great impact on the Peloponnesian War, greatly weakened militarily and

financially. (Sicilian Expedition, 23 September 2023)

Peace of Nicias

It was a short-lived peace agreement during the Peloponnesian War. Failing to maintain peace

between Athens and Sparta returned to the war state. This collapsed within a few years,

escalating tensions between the two city-states. One of the most significant of these incidents was

the conflict over the city of Epidamnus. Naval Defeats The loss at the Battle of Aegospotami

weakened Athen’s ability to defend itself and maintain its empire. The Athenians could not

protect their vital supply routes from the Black Sea, and their allies began defecting to the

Spartan side.Following the victory at Aegospotami, the Spartan fleet blocked and cut off Athens

from its food supply routes. This led to food shortage and finally the Athenians were forced to

surrender to the Spartans because of starvation. After that, they had to be destroyed and their

long walls were torn down which was the symbol of power.

Sparta and Persia support

During the Peloponnesian war, Sparta was supported by Persia financially. Because of the

funding support by Persia, Sparta could build a naval army leading to the victory of the war.

Financial and Resource Strain

Athens’ resources and treasury were blocked and strained during the war. The expenses

associated with maintaining a powerful navy depleted Athens’ financial reserves.

Democracy in Athens After the War

After the war, the Greek democracy was thrown because of the Spartan’s government structure.

Sparta founded a period of oligarchic rule known as the Thirty Tyrants. These tyrants destroyed

the Athen’s fair democracy system. (Whelan, 8 May 2023) They overcontrolled the Greek
citizens and their brutality made the citizens hate them and no supporters left. This led to the

restoration of Greek democracy. Therefore, it could be said that Greek democracy was not totally

overthrown after the war.

References

Wikipedia. 23 September, 2023. Sicilian

Expedition.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sicilian_Expedition

Whelan. 8 May, 2023. The Fragility of Democracy: Athens and the Thirty Tyrants

https://classicalwisdom.com/culture/history/the-fragility-of-democracy/

Cartwright, M. (2018, May 02). Peloponnesian war . In World History Encyclopedia.