This paper identifies and analyzes the initial strategies of the Athenians and Spartans using the ends, ways, and means paradigm. It identifies how and why their strategies changed and explains why the Spartans were best able to adapt their strategy as the realities, risks and the length of the war changed.
The initial strategy of the Athenians was to outlast the enemy. Pericles, the primary architect, revealed the Athenian strategy when delivered an insightful speech before the war. In it, he decreed, that Athens should make no concessions to the Spartans except as provided by the treaty, and that a firm refusal of demands would result in treatment as equals. He drew attention to Sparta’s weaknesses such as limited resources, inexperience …show more content…
While simple, it resulted out of necessity and pressure from others. Sparta had long been concerned with the rise of Athens’ empire and had contemplated a confrontation. However, Sparta suffered a helot uprising, and requested Athens as an ally. Sparta, chose not to use the Athenian support, creating a mutual distrust and preventing any action to deter Athens rise. Sparta was unprepared for war at the time, but faced pressure from Corinth to act or risk losing alliances, reputation, and their status in the league. Corinth set forth their plea: “ and do not sacrifice friends and kindred to their bitterest enemies, and drive the rest of us in despair to some other alliance”. To remain the Peloponnesian leader, Sparta needed to commit to war in support of their alliances and take action against Athens. Sparta called a meeting of the Peloponnesians and voted for war. Within one year, Sparta invaded Attica and ravaged the lands and homes, hoping for a quick defeat of their enemy. While the invasion did not achieve the results Archidamus hoped for, it did support their initial …show more content…
The strategy transitioned to an indirect attack of the financial resources and Athens’ alliances rather than merely on the city itself. Brasidas, a Spartan general with a force of Helots, used moderation, threats, and force to invade Athens’ allies, and persuade them to revolt. Sparta sent leadership and hoplite support to Sicily to exploit Athens risk of fighting in two theaters. Sparta, with advice from the Athenian traitor Alcibiades, fortified an outpost at Decelea, where a permanent force was able to disrupt the use of the land, supplies, and silver from reaching the city. Sparta also secured an alliance with Persia for money and ships in order to build their capability and gain an advantage at sea. The length of the war supported the growth, skill, and tactics of Sparta’s navy, finally allowing them to effectively target Athens’ center of
The initial strategy of the Athenians was to outlast the enemy. Pericles, the primary architect, revealed the Athenian strategy when delivered an insightful speech before the war. In it, he decreed, that Athens should make no concessions to the Spartans except as provided by the treaty, and that a firm refusal of demands would result in treatment as equals. He drew attention to Sparta’s weaknesses such as limited resources, inexperience …show more content…
While simple, it resulted out of necessity and pressure from others. Sparta had long been concerned with the rise of Athens’ empire and had contemplated a confrontation. However, Sparta suffered a helot uprising, and requested Athens as an ally. Sparta, chose not to use the Athenian support, creating a mutual distrust and preventing any action to deter Athens rise. Sparta was unprepared for war at the time, but faced pressure from Corinth to act or risk losing alliances, reputation, and their status in the league. Corinth set forth their plea: “ and do not sacrifice friends and kindred to their bitterest enemies, and drive the rest of us in despair to some other alliance”. To remain the Peloponnesian leader, Sparta needed to commit to war in support of their alliances and take action against Athens. Sparta called a meeting of the Peloponnesians and voted for war. Within one year, Sparta invaded Attica and ravaged the lands and homes, hoping for a quick defeat of their enemy. While the invasion did not achieve the results Archidamus hoped for, it did support their initial …show more content…
The strategy transitioned to an indirect attack of the financial resources and Athens’ alliances rather than merely on the city itself. Brasidas, a Spartan general with a force of Helots, used moderation, threats, and force to invade Athens’ allies, and persuade them to revolt. Sparta sent leadership and hoplite support to Sicily to exploit Athens risk of fighting in two theaters. Sparta, with advice from the Athenian traitor Alcibiades, fortified an outpost at Decelea, where a permanent force was able to disrupt the use of the land, supplies, and silver from reaching the city. Sparta also secured an alliance with Persia for money and ships in order to build their capability and gain an advantage at sea. The length of the war supported the growth, skill, and tactics of Sparta’s navy, finally allowing them to effectively target Athens’ center of