Democratic reforms had begun some fifty years before Pericles took leadership of Athens. The Athenian democracy began to for under the power of Clisthenes and brought Athens into the early stage of government, which was new to the Greek world.

Pericles had made his first political appearance under Ephialtes, who was the leader of the democrats. Pericles entered the political scene very late at the age of thirty-one.

As general during the siege of Thasos, Pericles first gained the position that would lead him into public fame. Eventually, Cimon’s policy towards Sparta would make him a target for Athenian opposition. When Cimon returned to Athens his reputation was ruined by the insults of the Spartans. Pericles finally came to pow

Those who had opposed democracy tried to destroy Pericles politically by corrupting his name. The oligarchs set out to attack Pericles because his use of public funds were being misused. This attack directed all blame towards Pericles and removed the focus from the tribute collection itself. They accused him of continued collection of tribute without a war enabled Pericles to misuse surplus funds for personal endeavors. Pericles immediately set out to justify his actions and clear his name of any wrongdoing. Through his use of fierce argument and quick rebuttal, Pericles was able to keep the opposition in check. This lead to the ostracism of Thucydides and caused the opposing party to fall apart.

Pericles saw the empire as a necessary instrument of war. It had ships, which in his opinion were the greatest resources and the best sources for winning a war. The navy had allowed Athens to bring wars wherever it wanted which in turn brought stability of the empire. Furthermore the tribute meant that Athens had large sums of reserve. Also, Pericles regarded the formation of the empire a great achievement and his countrymen deserved the highest praise.

Pericles furthered democra

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