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Chapter 26

Chapter 26. The Rise of Democracy. 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.

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Chapter 26

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  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. 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. 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  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

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