Learning Journal Week 1
How Greek Democracy Ended
Anytime I read something like “democratic Athens was flush with victory power and pride as it entered its golden age” (Brand, n.d., p. 27), I know how the story is going to end; Hubris takes its toll. It always does. Sure enough a few paragraphs later Brand talks about Hubris and jealousy.
The wealth and success of Athens, led to jealousy and resentment and ultimately Athens and Sparta went to war in 431 B.C.E. According to Brand, “Pericles was convinced the war could be won in a few years”. (Brand, n.d., p.34). However, that was not the case and the Peloponnesian Wars lasted for more than 30 years. War can bring a country together or tear it apart; many times, it depends on the courage, integrity and popularity of the leader. Pericles was very popular and an eloquent speaker as well as a charismatic leader. According to history.com, “the loss of Pericles and the inability to elect a leader with the same qualities lead Athens to its destruction” and in my opinion ultimately the end of Greek Democracy. (History.com Staff, n.d.). …show more content…
When passions are inflamed, the power of the people can turn into an unforgiving and unruly mob. Thucydides, an Athenian historian believed Pericles was able to lead the people and after his death, with out his leadership, democracy fell apart. (History.com Staff, n.d.). Thucydides believed the people made ignorant and bad decisions and the majority rule was the ultimate destruction of the Golden Age of Athens. That may be true, but I think Pericles should have realized he would not live forever and should have had a succession
How Greek Democracy Ended
Anytime I read something like “democratic Athens was flush with victory power and pride as it entered its golden age” (Brand, n.d., p. 27), I know how the story is going to end; Hubris takes its toll. It always does. Sure enough a few paragraphs later Brand talks about Hubris and jealousy.
The wealth and success of Athens, led to jealousy and resentment and ultimately Athens and Sparta went to war in 431 B.C.E. According to Brand, “Pericles was convinced the war could be won in a few years”. (Brand, n.d., p.34). However, that was not the case and the Peloponnesian Wars lasted for more than 30 years. War can bring a country together or tear it apart; many times, it depends on the courage, integrity and popularity of the leader. Pericles was very popular and an eloquent speaker as well as a charismatic leader. According to history.com, “the loss of Pericles and the inability to elect a leader with the same qualities lead Athens to its destruction” and in my opinion ultimately the end of Greek Democracy. (History.com Staff, n.d.). …show more content…
When passions are inflamed, the power of the people can turn into an unforgiving and unruly mob. Thucydides, an Athenian historian believed Pericles was able to lead the people and after his death, with out his leadership, democracy fell apart. (History.com Staff, n.d.). Thucydides believed the people made ignorant and bad decisions and the majority rule was the ultimate destruction of the Golden Age of Athens. That may be true, but I think Pericles should have realized he would not live forever and should have had a succession