The Rise of Democratic Ideas ALL People Have Value.

The Legacy of Ancient Greece THEN Rome Around 2000 B.C.E. the Greeks established cities along it’s rocky coasts. Each of these “city states” had it’ s own government 4 Types! Aristocracy- A government ruled by the nobility (who are they?) Monarchy-Ruled by a king or a “monarch” Oligarchy-Government by the FEW the POWERFUL, the ELITE Democracy(!)- The rule of the people. “Demos” being people “Kratos” being power

Athens THIS city state was the largest and most powerful in Greece Citizens participated in government A “Citizen” was an adult male 600 BCE LOTS of economic problems in Greece. If greatly effected the poor farmers. These farmers sold their land to pay debts then sold their FREEDOM!-They were now enslaved by the powerful

Solon The People wanted their freedom back and would REVOLT unless they had an opportunity have it back Greek Stateseman, Solon, passed a law ending slavery-It saved the country He’ll create FOUR classes of citizens based on wealth rather than heredity (what does this mean?) Only the top three could hold power but all could be politically active Regardless, the citizenry could vote to elect officials to make decisions. The PEOPLE had a voice in determining their government, their society

Solon

Greek Philosophy Athens would become the center of western thought. Great thinkers throughout Greece came here to discuss ideas ******They used “logic” and “reason” to investigate the nature of the universe, human society, and morality They said 1. The universe is put together in an orderly way and is subject to absolute unchanging laws and 2. PEOPLE can understand these laws through “logic” and “Reason” Socrates was the first of these great thinkers--- “Exam your most closely held beliefs.” The Socratic Method! What is this?? Socrates greatest student was Plato. Plato wanted a society governed NOT by the wealthiest but by the wisest which he’ll refer to as “philosopher kings.”

The End For Greece Athenian Democracy was unique. “Our Constitution is called Democracy because power is in the hands not of the minority but of the people.” Democracy will end when Athens and Sparta fight a terrible war. Macedonia, (led by Alexander the Great) conquered it Today, we remember the Greeks as creating lasting standards in government and philosophy They used reason to explain “Why” things happen They developed direct democracy so people could actively participate in THEIR government