Why did relations between Athens and Sparta change in this period?

Question 1

INTRO: changing relations

Answer 1

The decline of relations between former allies Sparta and Athen was caused by division in political ideologies and subsequent Athenian policies of expansion hence resulted in the development of a local warring rivalry.

Fear of Persian led to unprecedented alliance at Isthmus 481BC

Polarization in Athenian leadership led to rise of radical democrats and fear by Sparta

“War would be inevitable” according to Thurydides

Question 2

BP1: political ideologies changing relations between Sparta and Athens

Answer 2

Themistocle held an anti-Spartan stance -> deceived Spartan and kidnapped Spartan ambassadors in order to construct the northern wall. Worried Sparta that Athens would become a stronghold as they lacked siege experience.
-> Themistocles exile in 471BC he would then live in Argos (Spartans rival), and continue to denouce Sparta.

Spartan denial of Athenian assistance after the earthquake and Helot revolt, due to fears of Athens supporting hellenic uprising due to their democratic government + belif that you shouldn’t enslave others Greeks -> Would later resettle Helots in Naupactus, reinforced tensions between the two

Ostracid Cimon in 461 for his pro-Spartan stance -> increase tensions as he was an conservative oligarchy + shift of power towards radical democrats which Spartan fears

Question 3

BP2: Athenian expansion

Answer 3

Perciples policies of expansion: Construction of long wall -> Athens could outlast any siege as they would be connected to the sea. Facilitated naval expansion without fear of Sparta sieging Athens.

Spartan promise to help Thasos revolt in 465 BC according to Thucydides. Sparta was worried about the rapid territorial expansion of Athens, which would unbalance the Greek world, in addition to a belief that Athens was a tyrannical government.

Sending troops to Boeotia in 457 BC (A CHECK ON POWER): Athens’ construction of an army symbolized expansions into central Greece, but Sparta would win the battle of Boeotia however only delayed their expansion for two months capturing all except Thebes.

Alliance with Argos: traditional enemy of Sparta, Athens expansion / influence into the Peloponnese, disturbing the power balance between Sparta and Argos and with Delian league support would have a strong enough army to defeat the Spartan army.

Subjugation of Aegina 460BC: a strong naval member of the Pelopense, highlighted the encroachment of Athens towards the Peolpense which reinforced its alliance with Argos.

Question 4

BP3: Changing relations PEACE

Answer 4

HOWEVER,
5 year truce 451: Return of Cimon from ostracism which facilitated peace, cooling of tension but Perciples believed another war was inevitable. Lasted all 5 years and would then have the 30 year peace

30 year peace: only lasted 15 years as first Pelopense war stated. A clear attempt to have friendly relations with each other and respect for each others militaries (sparta on land, Athens on sea)

Question 5

CONCLUSION CHANGING RELATIONS

Answer 5

Their relationship often fluctuates with both causing for the elevated tensions