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1
It is the year 431 BC. Athens and Sparta are very different city-states with different governments and cultures. Athens is a Democracy, in which the citizens make all the important decisions. Sparta is an Oligarchy, in which a few rich men make all the decisions.
2
Athens and Sparta also have different cultures. Athenians like art and sports. Spartans only care about the military. Despite their differences, Athens and Sparta used to get along. Not any more. Athens is still insulted that Sparta refused their help when an earthquake destroyed Sparta thirty years ago.
3
Many Athenians feel that Athens must go to war against Sparta to spread democracy throughout all of Greece. They think that the war will be over quickly and will not destroy the city of Athens. Some Athenians disagree. They say that other city-states will not help Athens win the war.
4
They think the war will cost too many lives and damage too many farms. As a member of the Assembly, you must vote on this important issue. You will speak to ordinary Athenians and learn their views on a war against Sparta. Then you must decide for yourself: Should Athens go to war against Sparta?
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