READINGS:

Thucydides, Peloponnesian War, bks. 1-2
Plutarch, Pericles cc. 24-39
The Megarian Decree, 433/2 B.C. (handout)

This paper is not a term paper but rather a historical essay (5 pages) based on critical reading and analysis of the sources. The task is not to retell events but rather to marshall arguments and to combat possible objections. The paper is due in class and they will form the basis of class discussion.

The outbreak of the Peloponnesian War is one of the decisive events of the Classical Age. Reporters should concentrate on the following issues: the nature of Athenian imperialism in 446-432 B.C., actions and interests of Corinth, the incidents of Corcyra, Potidaea, and Megara (notably the so-called "Megarian Decree"), and the division of opinion in Sparta. Who wanted war in 432 B.C.? Who could have stopped the outbreak of war? When did the war become inevitable?

QUESTIONS (Choose One):

1. Sparta: Did the majority of Spartans desire war in 432 B.C.? Who in Sparta worked for war? Did the Corinthians push the Spartans into war or is Thucydides correct in his opinion that the fear of Athenian power was the main cause? Did Sparta have legitimate reasons to fear Athenian power? Did Athens violate the Thirty Years' Peace?

2. Corinth: Did the Corinthians bring on the war? What were Corinthian interests in Northwest Greece? Why was Corcyra so vital? Why did Corinth complain about the Megarian Decree? Why did Corinth support the revolt in Potidaea?

3. Athens: What were the best policies for Athens? Why did Pericles accept the Corcyrean alliance? What were the issues involved over Megara and the Megarian Decree? Was Athens correct in handling Potidaea? How skillfully did Pericles handle the Spartans? Did Athens, by her actions in 433-432 B.C., provoke Sparta into war?

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE:

Reporters may wish to consult either D. Kagan, Outbreak of the Peloponnesian War or G. E. M. de Ste. Croix, The Origins of the Peloponnesian War, both of which are on reserve under HISTORY 100 in Howard Tilton Library. Kagan's work is recommended on the Megarian Decree and the details of the final crisis; de Ste. Croix has a good discussion of Spartan fears and opinions.