Today we call it the Delian League because the anti-Persian alliance had its treasury (where they kept the city-state contributions to maintain League forces) on the island of Delos. After about 25 years, Athens had the treasury moved to Athens so that Athens could squander it on themselves.
With a peace treaty signed with Persia in 449 BCE it was no longer defensive and it became painfully obvious (if it hadn't been before) that the League had degenerated into an empire of Athens, with Athens collecting the tribute annually (by force where necessary) and spending it as it pleased.
Apart from the beautifacation of Athens (including the Parthenon) the funds kept about half the Athenian citizens on the city's payroll - in public service and the enforceers of the empire, the army and particularly the navy. And that naval dominance allowed it to be offensive against other Greek states.
They wanted to punish the persians for attacking Greece
Protect the Greek city-states around the Aegean Sea from Persian rule.
They wanted to punish the persians for attacking Greece.Also agreed to help defend each other and to protect trade in the aegean sea.
They wanted to punish the persians for attacking Greece
The Battle of Thermopylae: The Persians won the Battle of Thermopylae against the Spartans, but it was a Pyrrhic Victory. The Battle of Salamis: This Naval Battle was critically won by the Athenians against the Persians. The Battle of Plataea: This Battle was won by the Alliance of Greek City States against the Persians.
Segeral city states formed an alliance after the Persian wars to make it possible to combat the Persians.
They wanted to punish the persians for attacking Greece
Initially, yes. Later it was more of a vehicle for Athenian imperialism.
the persians
The Persians
The Persians
Sink or swim - either stop the incessant warfare between each other and unite against the Persians ally and fight, or surrender. Some city-states fought in alliance, some joined the Persian side.