Final exam

Pericles as a Tyrant Sources such as Thucydides in, “ History of the Peloponnesian war and Plutarchs life of Pericles” explore the possibility that Pericles was or resembled a tyrant from the way he persuaded and powers impression. The above statement is not true, and I dont agree with it. Pericles was a great leader who is associated with a move towards democracy and success in leading Athens. Even though, he was from an aristocratic family, he had a determination of diverting power from the oligarchy to the citizens of Athens. This is a clear indication that he was not a tyrant. Tyrants consolidate powers that they use in ruling the masses to accept what they impose.
One of the characters that prove that Pericles was not a tyrant is his approach of doing things. For instance, he was able to use the majority of the people in the assembly to pass resolutions that restricted Areopagus when his main political challenger was away in Sparta. The resolutions were not meant to benefit him but were for the good of the citizens. He managed to pass legislation that gave people powers and created institutions where citizens would have the rights of voting and to contest for political positions (History World 12). Therefore, he managed to overcome tyrant’s characters by widening the democratic space for citizens.
Secondly, Pericles was a changed leader once he took over leadership. He was willing to give back to the people hence attracted more citizens who came to his support. This is also evidenced when King of Sparta, Archidamus, asked Thucydides whether he was a better fighter than Pericles. He answered that Pericles was better because he can convince the audience that he has won in cases where he is defeated. He was also above reproach by citizens since he was clean from corruption (History World 15). The character he displays does not portray one who is a tyrant, but an individual who consults with others in doing things.
In other instances, Thucydides had admired the leadership style of Pericles where he acknowledges that Athen was in the name of democracy with first citizens governing it. Through this comment, he acknowledges the charismatic leadership style which Pericles showed where he was able to convince and manipulate. Similarly, there is no accusation labeled against Pericles, but instead his opponent focuses on his integrity (History World 16).
Lastly, Pericles was not carried away by people; instead, he provided guidance to the people. He acted as a public charismatic figure and as an advocate on the advisors proposals. He also acted on the proposals of the people themselves in ruling. He increased the power of the people where they were left with non authoritative leadership. Additionally, he depended on popular support tom govern during Peloponnesian war (History World 18). Therefore, Pericles inclusion leadership style does not portray authoritarian or tyranny leadership. He was working in hand with the people through consultation and seeking support. He was duly elected when he took over the office until his death. Therefore, I conclude that Pericles was not a tyrant but lead with populist.
Work cited
History World. History of Athens. 2014. Online
http://www. historyworld. net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories. asp? historyid= ac45