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Assess the significance of Cleisthenes reform for Athenian democracy

Cleisthenes contributed to the creation of the framework of democracy. ... In addition, by relating the local government to the central government, Cleisthenes helped the Athenians to see themselves as an integral part of the government of the state. ...

Prior to Cleisthenes’ rise to power, the Athenian citizens had been divided into 3 hereditary tribes, and many subgroups called ‘brotherhoods’. ...

As the head of the Alkaemonid’s, a rich and aristocratic clan, Cleisthenes’ main motives may have been to acquire political power for himself and his noble followers, but, ironically, the overall effect of his reforms contributed to further diminishing the power of the nobles, and creating an increasingly democratic state of Athens. The Alkemonid’s had been told at Delphi to ‘First free the Athenians’ and this prophecy also provided Cleisthenes with the encouragement and motivation to gain political power in Athens.

It has been argued by Herodotus and Aristotle that democracy in Athens, truly began after the last major faction fight of the 6th century B. ... That is, the fight between Isagorous and Cleisthenes (Herodotus). To ensure his position, Cleisthenes reformed the tribal system and introduced the council of 500. He did not aim to introduce democracy however, but to overcome his regional rival: Isagorous.

Cleisthenes had the support of the Athenian citizens from the Asty (city) division. To ensure his position, Cleisthenes needed the support from a larger percentage of the country, than that currently possessed by Isagorous, who had found support in the Spartan King Cleomenes.

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Paper Information

Title: Assess the significance of Cleisthenes reform for Athenian democracy

Words: 1222
Rating: None
Pages: 4.9
submitted by: betsy69

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