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The Peloponnesian War Issues - Essay Example

Summary

The essay "The Peloponnesian War Issues" focuses on the critical analysis of the Peloponnesian war. Athens has long been accused by some history studies to have caused The Peloponnesian War. The arguments unfolded from the time Athens chose to defend Corcyra against Corinth in 433 BCE…

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Subject: History
Type: Essay
Level: Ph.D.
Pages: 1 (250 words)
Downloads: 3
Author: kubgregg

Extract of sample "The Peloponnesian War Issues"

The treaty would only be broken by a military confrontation. The Athenians were innocent of this (Kagan). The Athenians did not join in the battle at Corcyra until their defeat was imminent.

The Athenian siege of Potidaea did not cause the war as this was an act of defense against the true aggressor, Corinth. Corinth had been sworn into a binding oath to respect the dominion and rule of the Athenians in Potidaea. By sending military forces to Potidaea, Corinth had broken the treaty.

Athens, as a sovereign state, has every legal right and mandate to control the economic issues and aspects of the empire. The treaty that had been signed by both parties did not specify that one party could not issue a decree against the other (Thucydides, Hammond, and Rhodes). This means that Athens was within its legal and rightful power to issue the decree against Megara.

In conclusion, the Athenians did not in any way cause the war. Certain policies may have played a role in fueling the war, but considering the facts that are specific to this war, the Athenians acted within the law. Their actions served to protect their sovereignty within their territory.

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