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The Evolution of Democracy in Ancient Athens: From Tyranny to Limited Citizenship

The transformation of Athens into a democracy was marked by significant reforms and shifts in power. Key figures like Solon and Cleisthenes played pivotal roles in redefining government and citizen participation. Solon's 594 B.C. reforms abolished debt slavery and opened high offices to more Athenians, while Pisistratus, a tyrant, aimed to support the working class. Cleisthenes further advanced democracy with the Council of 500, though participation remained limited to landowning males, excluding a majority of the population. Despite its limitations, Athenian democracy was revolutionary for its time.

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The Evolution of Democracy in Ancient Athens: From Tyranny to Limited Citizenship

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  1. Athens Evolves into a Democracy

  2. Democracy: Government by the people

  3. Archon: Chief official

  4. Tyrant: People who gain power by force

  5. Legislature: Lawmaking body

  6. Demand for Change: Merchants and soldiers resented the power of the nobles. Farmers also demanded change. In hard times, they sometimes had to sell their family into slavery to pay off debts. Growing discontent (unhappiness) led to a need for change. Athens moves towards a democracy

  7. Solon Reforms Government: Appointed Archon in 594 B.C. Outlawed debt slavery and freed those who were already in debt slavery Opened high offices to citizens and granted citizenship to some foreigners

  8. Citizens Share Power and Wealth: Athenian tyrant, Pisistratus, takes over. Gives farmers loans and land taken from nobles. This weakens the aristocracy 507 B.C. Cleisthenes takes over and creates Council of 500 Council prepared laws and oversaw day-to-day work of the government.

  9. A Limited Democracy: Only citizens could participate. Citizens are landowning males Slaves lacked rights and a voice However, Athens gave more people a say than any other civilization at that time

  10. Journal Question: How was Athenian democracy similar to what we know as democracy? How was it different?

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