1. Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 1: The Greek Roots of Democracy
Witness History Audio: The Government of Athens
The Rise of Greek City-States
Mountains and sea separated Greek city-states, which remained fiercely independent. Greeks began to set up colonies all around the Mediterranean by 750 B.C.
The Greeks designed each large city-state, or polis, with an acropolis for temples and a lower walled city for homes, a market, and public buildings. Different forms of government evolved over time, from monarchy, to aristocracy, and in some places oligarchy.
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2. Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 1: The Greek Roots of Democracy
The Persian Wars
After Athens sent ships to help the Greek city-states in Ionia, the Persian ruler Darius I sent forces to crush Athens. The Athenians won a battle near Marathon, and later joined forces with other city-states to maintain an advantage over Persia.
Athens in the Age of Pericles
Athens experienced a “golden age” under the leadership of the statesman, Pericles. Athens’ government during this time was a direct democracy in which every citizen voted directly on issues. Jury duty was also expected of citizens. Athens became the cultural center of Greece. The Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta ended Athens’ domination of Greece.
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3. Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 1: The Greek Roots of Democracy
The Greek Philosophers
Greek philosophers tried to discover universal truths. These truths would hopefully lead to better government and proper ethics. Among the most influential philosophers were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Color Transparency 1: The Key Ideas of Plato
Color Transparency 2: The Key Ideas Aristotle
Color Transparency 3: The School of Plato
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4. Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 1: The Greek Roots of Democracy
Alexander and the Hellenistic Age
Macedonian ruler Philip II came to control all of Greece. His son, Alexander the Great, created an enormous empire that stretched into Persia and Egypt.
Alexander’s conquests spread Greek culture. He married a Persian woman and urged others to do the same. This mixing of cultures created a new Hellenistic civilization that blended Greek, Persian, Egyptian, and Indian cultures. Alexandria in Egypt was the heart of this new empire.
Geography Interactive: Empire of Alexander the Great
Witness History Video: Alexander The Great
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
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5. Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 1
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6. Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 1
Color Transparency 1: The Key Ideas of Plato
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7. Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 1
Color Transparency 2: The Key Ideas of Aristotle
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8. Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 1
Color Transparency 3: The School of Plato
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9. Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 1
Progress Monitoring Transparency (1 of 2)
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10. Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 1
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