Should+Athens+go+to+War?


 * __Should Athens Go to War!?!?!?__**

So far, you have researched what daily life was like for both the Spartans and Athenians. Athens and Sparta were very different city-states with different political and cultural ideologies. For example, Athens practiced **__Democracy__**, in which the citizens made all the important decisions. Sparta on the other hand, was an **__Oligarchy__**, in which a few rich men made all the decisions.

We have also discussed that their educational system was different. The Spartan male was born to die in war – his education primarily dealt with military strategies. The Athenian, on the other hand, concentrated his attention on politics, philosophy, and reason.

Lastly, we have discussed each league’s military strengths and weaknesses (i.e., Sparta had a strong army, and Athens had a strong navy). Sparta’s hoplite warfare and tactics were far superior to any of the other Greek city-states. Likewise, the Athenian navy was far superior to Sparta.

You are a member of the **__Assembly__** in Athens. It is your job as a __**Citizen**__ to vote on this issue. You must conduct research on the topic at hand and then decide for yourself: //Should Athens go to war against Sparta?// In this written speech, it is necessary to discuss the relationship between Athens and the other Greek city-states. Also, you should include geographic challenges and/or strengths, tactics, and the economy. In order to receive full credit, you MUST use detailed examples to support your answer!

This [|Speech Rubric] explains what I am looking for. I have also provided a [|graphic organizer] to help you organize your thoughts in a strong, persuasive speech.


 * MLA format
 * 500 words
 * Due on Wednesday, **October 27, 2010**.
 * After you have submitted your speech, you will cast your vote.

Begin your research by reading through this website for an overview of the Peloponnesian War:

http://www.boisestate.edu/courses/westciv/peloponn/

Then, begin using these resources:

__**General Background Information**__ http://www.livius.org/pb-pem/peloponnesian_war/peloponnesian_war.html [|http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/ATHEMP.HTM] [|http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/PELOWARS.HTM] [] @http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/index.htm @http://www.carlos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/GREECE/welcome.html @http://www.pbs.org/empires/thegreeks/htmlver/index.html @http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/ancientgreece.htm @http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/ @http://www.sikyon.com/Athens/athens_eg.html [] http://www.livius.org/ne-nn/nicias/nicias.html

__**Greek Education and Military**__ [] http://monolith.dnsalias.org/~marsares/warfare/army/g_trirem.html []

__**Speeches, Quotes, and Writings**__ http://faculty.txwes.edu/csmeller/Human-Experience/ExpData09/02GrecoRoman/GrRmRDs/grR_Pericles-Oration/grR_Pericles-Oration.htm http://faculty.txwes.edu/csmeller/Human-Experience/ExpData09/02GrecoRoman/GrRmRDs/grR_Pericles-Oration/grR_Pericles-OrationSec.htm http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/PERICLES.HTM http://www.csun.edu/~hcfll004/thuc-sp.html

__**Maps**__ http://library.thinkquest.org/17709/wars/peloponn.htm# []

__**Rubric**__