How did the Peloponnessian war begin?

Answer 1

The Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens was between 431 and 404 BC.<br><br>Over the preceding 50 years, since defeating the Persians, Athens had grown exponentially in power. They had managed to turn many in the Delian League of northern Greece into vassal states. Sparta resented this. They resented Athens rebuilding their famous wall to Pireus.<br><br>In the 460s BC, there was a helot (Spartan slave) uprising. They appealed to all their allies to send forces. Athens was one of the many states to respond and sent troops. Unfortunately, the Spartan leaders feared the the helots might be convinced by the democratic ideas of the Athenian soldiers and the helots might form an alliance with Athens. They sent the soldiers home, without explanation. The Athenians were now the ones to be offended. Following a war between two Spartan allies, Megara and Corinth (famous for the isthmus upon which it stands), Athens formed an alliance with Megara. During the coming war, Athens fought Sparta and many other states. A Thirty Year Peace was concluded soon after.<br><br>Several events led directly to war. Athens' ally, Samos, rebelled and gained the alliance of Persia. Sparta considered war with Athens but did not intervene. Athens won and later on, intervened in a conflict between Corinth (Sparta's ally) and Corcyra. They also imposed trade restrictions on Megara (now again a Spartan ally). <br><br>The Spartans, in response to this, called a meeting of the Peloponnesian League. The Corinthians warned the Spartans that they would soon find themselves outflanked and without allied. The Athenians warned the Spartans of the folly of declaring war on Sparta. Sparta voted that Athens had interfered in Peloponnesian League affairs, thus breaking the terms of the peace and had already declared war, in effect, on Sparta.<br><p></p><p>

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