Argumentative Essay About Athens

I proclaim that the city of Melos is a neutral faction that has no interests in this war. As a neutral party it would be ethically wrong for you, Athens, to lay siege upon our city. We do not threaten your power, nor do we stand in the way of your army. In fact, it would be tyrannical of you to breach our right to be neutral even in a time of war. Ethically what does it say about Athens if you are going around murdering entire populations if they do not bow to your will. We understand that you are stronger than us, but your subjects would respect you more for finding a diplomatic resolution rather than resorting to violence. Furthermore, this oppression would not make us loyal subjects of Athens, but would only raise suspicion of your increased aggression towards other factions. Other cities will become concerned by your brash decisions and may even attack you proactively in fear of your growing threat. Instead, I argue that we should remain a sovereign party and that we should find an agreeable treaty for us to remain neutral yet still find middle ground between our people. …show more content…
Since we would be on the defense, we do not have to beat you in battle, but we only have to not lose the fight long enough in order for attrition and fatigue to set in to your army. Plus, as an island city we can better defend your attacks making it a long, difficult siege for your army. Why waste the lives of the numerous soldiers that would be killed in battle just for you to subdue a nation that does not pose any threat towards you. Additionally, the city of Melos is not rich in resources, and we are too far South to be a strategic location. Our destruction will not change the Peloponnesian War in any way! Another important thing to remember is that we are kin of Sparta and they would be quick to come to our aid in the event of an Athenian attack. Even though you suggest this makes us not