Ancient Greece - Chapter 26 The Rise of Democracy Ancient Greece - Chapter 26

How did democracy develop in ancient Greece? Essential Question How did democracy develop in ancient Greece?

26.1 - Introduction Greece = NOT a country Same Language Greek people did NOT view Greece as a country. 26.1 - Introduction Monarchy, Oligarchy, Tyranny, and Democracy Same Language Greece = NOT a country Own Laws per city 4 Forms of Gov. Everyone in Greece spoke the same language Each city had its own laws, army, and form of money.

4 Forms of Government

26.2 - Monarchy King of Sparta One person is given power of being the King. Power was passed down to the King’s oldest son. King made laws, acted as judges, conducted religious ceremonies, led their armies during war, and used force to punish people who didn’t follow laws or pay taxes. Council of aristocrats got large pieces of land but had little power. During war the wealthy aristocrats gave money to support the war. Aristocrats realized they had power because they had money. Changed the laws to vote for a king and put a limit on how long a king can serve. Aristocrats took power for themselves.

26.3 - Oligarchy Power was in the hands of a few people. These Oligarchs were wealthy merchants and lived comfortable lives. Spent days hunting or taking part in chariot races. They hosted & attended parties. Slaves were hired to to perform and entertain guest. The poor had to work long hours in the field. The poor noticed the unfair difference. Oligarchs ignored the needs of people. Laws to help the rich and NOT the poor were passed. Army was used to force people to pay and follow laws. Farmers who could not pay had to be slaves to pay debt. The End. The poor turned to other leaders who promised to improve lives. These leaders used their armies to throw the Oligarchs out of power.

The leaders who got rid of Oligarchy were called tyrants. Power belonged to one person, who was not a lawful king. There are no legal limits on his power. A tyrant’s son DOES NOT get power. Most tyrants were military leaders. Many were good rulers and the people liked this. Made changes that helped the poor. Some DID NOT use their power to help the poor 26.4 - Tyranny (dictator)

The End of Tyranny Hippias (HIP-ee-uhs), the last tyrant ruler of Athens, and his brother ruled well. But when his brother was murdered, Hippias hired spies to report anyone who talked about him. He became more mean and the people finally drove him out of power.

26.5 - Democracy Democracy = Rule by the People Athens was the first to try governing themselves. Citizens shared the ruling power. Every citizen is allowed to vote on every issue. They had a law making group called an “assembly” Not all Greeks believed that democracy was a good type of government. Powerful speakers persuaded citizens to vote unwisely. Assembly sometimes reversed important decisions. This made the Greeks unhappy and they returned to other forms of government.

How did democracy develop in ancient Greece? Essential Question Time: How did democracy develop in ancient Greece?