1. Chapter 26
The Rise of Democracy

2. 26.1: Introduction Different forms of government
Monarchy
Oligarchy
Tyranny
Democracy
Greeks did not identify themselves with a country, but with their city
Each city has its own laws, army, money, and government
Cities  City-states

3. 26.2: Monarchy: One Person Inherits Power
From about 2000 BCE to 800 BCE, most Greek city-states were ruled by a monarch.
Ruling power in the hands of one person, usually a king
Greek settlements did not have queens
At first, Greek kings were chosen by the people
When the king died, another was picked

4. Eventually, kings demanded that the power go their children after their death.
Usually the eldest son
Monarchy  rulers inherit power
Powers of the king
Made laws
Acted as judges
Conducted religious ceremonies
Led the army during wars
Used armed soldiers to punish people

5. Councils
Made up of aristocrats
The “best” men who were wealthy and owned large pieces of land.
At the beginning they had no power
The king only needed them for their money to buy horses and armor
Aristocrats realized this and wanted to share the king’s power.
In some city-states, aristocrats insisted the king be elected and could only rule for certain number of years.
By 800 BCE, in most city-states, the king was overthrown, and the aristocrats took power for themselves.

6. 26.3: Oligarchy: A Few People Share Power
By 800 BCE, most Greek city-states were ruled by a small group of wealthy men.
Called oligarchs  mean few
Ruling power is in the hands of the few
Most were aristocrats
Few were wealthy merchants
Oligarch’s Life
Comfortable

7. Poor Lives Oligarch’s Rule
Spent their time hunting and taking part in chariot races
Had parties where slaves and hired professionals entertained guests
Poor Lives
Worked all day in the fields
Needs were ignored
Oligarch’s Rule
Passed laws the poor did not like
Used the army to obey them
Many of their laws protected them and increased their wealth
Rich got richer and poor got poorer

8. 26.4: Tyranny: One Person Takes Power by Force
By mid 600s BCE, people turned to men who promised to change the government.
Tyrants  ruling power is in the hands of one person who is not a lawful king
Tyranny
Different than a monarchy in two ways
Tyrant cannot claim legal right to rule
Tyrant’s son doesn’t usually inherit power

9. Hippias Took and kept control by force
Most Greek tyrants were military leaders who gained support by promising more rights.
Made changes that helped the poor
Canceled debts of poor farmers
Some were hostile to aristocrats and took away their land
Hippias
Last tyrant of the city-state of Athens
Ruled well until his brother, Hipparchus, is murdered
Was forced to leave when his rule became unbearable

10. 26.5: Democracy: All Citizens Share Power
Around 500 BCE, the people of Athens tried governing themselves.
Developed democracy  all citizens share in the ruling power
Democracy
Ancient Greek democracy is different than modern democracy.
Two Types

11. Direct Democracy Direct democracy  Greece
Representative democracy  United States
Direct democracy
Every citizen can vote on every issue
Representative democracy
People vote for representatives who decide issues
Direct Democracy
The city had an assembly (law making group)
Any free man could speak in the Assembly or vote on a new law or proposal
Free men ran the day-to-day business

12. People against democracy
Felt that it wasn’t a good type of government
Powerful speaker persuaded people to vote unwisely
The assembly reversed decisions only after a few weeks
Result
Many city-states returned to earlier forms of government
Dictatorship (tyranny)
Oligarchy