To what extent did members of the Delian League lose their independence?

Question 1

Intro: independence

Answer 1

Formation of league in 478 BC
Goal free Ionians, and gain spoils of war

However, A league created to be eternal, resulted in it becoming the powerbase of Athenian imperialism, one that exploited their fellow Greek members, to the large extent that those powerful enough in the league i.e Daxos and Thasos revolted against Athenian tyranny.

Absolute control over military, economy and politics = assimilation into Athenian empire

Question 2

BP1: Political loss of independence

Answer 2

453BC Erythrae decree -> Athenian commanders of garrison had control over elections + instilled future loyalty and friendly governments in Aegina sea.

War prolonged -> change in polis from soldiers to tribute -> growth of Athenian navy and reliance upon Athenian for defence Thucydides who states “The result was that the Athenian navy grew at their expense”

Naxos and Thaxos wanted to leave after victory in the battle of Eurymendon (466BC), however due to oath couldn’t therefore … Naxos and Thaxos rebellion crushed -> strongest members couldn’t succeed = lack of independence. Walls stripped down and fleets taken -> reliance of Athens and become a ‘tribute paying subject’

‘an arm of imperalism’ Establishment of Kleruchy at Naxos and Thrace as watchdogs for Athens (in conjunction with above)

Question 3

BP2: Economic loss of indepedence

Answer 3

Moving the treasury from Delos to Athens 454BC symbolised control over economics which was used for ‘public work’ projects not for the war effort. Polis transformed into a forced tribute for protection
-> reconstruction of the Acropolius
-> Parthenon

Coinage decree (450 BC) persecution of those who printed their own coin. Coin symbolises freedom and by stripping that right tied members to Athens economically.

Tribute decided and collected by Athens: At first no members complained leading to Aristides the ‘just’ title however with 449BC Peace of Callias (no more spoils of war) -> Cleinas decree which proclaimed that members will continue to pay tribute.

Question 4

BP3: legislative loss of independence

Answer 4

Installed democratic subjects i.e in Militides -> prevented continued tyrannical governments but led to Athenian absolute imperialism authority over governance. Led to public resentment in members.

Chalcis decree 446BC: forced members to swore an oath of allegiance to Athens, rejection led to loss of land. + serious legal issues settled by Athenian courts = injustice for oligarchies & loss of legal independence.

Stopped annual meeting at Delos + Pericles said “money, he claimed, belongs to its recipients, not its donors” Plutarch. Complete loss of control over funds + they could no longer argue against Athens.

Question 5

Conclusion:

Answer 5

To a large extent they lose their independence due to the oppressive nature of the Delian league run by the Athenian empire.