If we turn to our military policy, there also we differ from our antagonists. We throw open our city to the world, and never by alien acts exclude foreigners from any opportunity of learning or observing, although the eyes of an enemy may occasionally …show more content…
Between 463 and 461 BC Pericles worked to get rid of Cimon for betraying Athens. He then became the leader of Athens’ democratic party. When he was in power, he worked to start a public payroll (for less fortunate citizens.) He allowed civic participation by offering to pay for jury duty and other civil services. Pericles was also an amazing inspirational speaker while in government. He was named one of Athens' greatest speakers. During this time, Athens needed an inspirational leader to make the citizens feel as if it would all turn out right. To this day the democratic idea is used in the …show more content…
In 454 he led a military campaign in Corinth. In 443 he was elected strategos, which is one of Athens’ leading generals. He expanded the Athenian naval forces, reinforced arrangements abroad, and improved the defenses of Athens. Pericles also led the Delian League to form the Athenian empire. At the same time he was guiding his soldiers during the first two years of the Peloponnesian Wars. The outcome of the wars was a great success. "Pericles, because of his position, his intelligence, and his known integrity, could respect the liberty of the people and at the same time hold them in check. It was he who led them, rather than they who led him." Thucydides