8.3 The Second Athenian Confederacy

Athens tried to regain power after losing the Peloponnesian War by forming the Second Athenian Confederacy in 378/7 BCE. This alliance aimed to counter Spartan aggression and restore Athenian influence in the Aegean region.

Unlike the earlier Delian League, the Second Athenian Confederacy promised more autonomy to its members. However, it faced challenges from internal tensions, external threats, and revolts, ultimately failing to maintain long-term stability and influence.

Formation of the Second Athenian Confederacy

Circumstances Leading to the Confederacy's Formation

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• The Second Athenian Confederacy was formed in 378/7 BCE, approximately 20 years after the end of the Peloponnesian War and the dissolution of the Delian League
• Athens sought to re-establish its influence and power in the Aegean region, which had been diminished following its defeat in the Peloponnesian War
• The growing threat of Sparta, particularly its aggressive actions under King Agesilaus II, prompted Athens and other city-states to seek alliances for mutual protection
• The formation of the Second Athenian Confederacy was supported by the Thebans, who were rivals of Sparta and sought to counterbalance Spartan power

Athens' Goals and Motivations

• Athens aimed to create a more equitable alliance system compared to the Delian League, with the goal of avoiding the perception of Athenian imperialism and oppression
• Athens leveraged its naval strength and the desire for stability among the Greek city-states to attract members to the new confederacy
• Athens sought to protect its interests in the Aegean region, including maritime trade and access to resources
• The Athenians aimed to reassert their political and military influence in the Greek world while maintaining a balance of power among the major city-states

Second Athenian Confederacy vs Delian League

Similarities between the Alliances

• Both the Delian League and the Second Athenian Confederacy were led by Athens and aimed to promote Athenian interests in the Aegean region
• Both alliances relied on Athens' naval supremacy to maintain their power and influence in the Aegean region
• The Delian League and the Second Athenian Confederacy served as a means for Athens to project its power and protect its allies from external threats (Persians and Spartans, respectively)
• In both cases, Athens sought to establish itself as a hegemon among the Greek city-states through the formation of these alliances

Differences in Structure and Purpose

• The Delian League was initially formed to counter the Persian threat, while the Second Athenian Confederacy was created to counter Spartan aggression and maintain the balance of power among Greek city-states
• The Delian League evolved into an Athenian empire, with Athens exerting significant control over its members, while the Second Athenian Confederacy aimed to maintain greater autonomy for its members
• In the Second Athenian Confederacy, members had more equal representation and decision-making power compared to the Delian League, where Athens dominated the alliance
• The Second Athenian Confederacy had a more decentralized structure, with member states contributing funds and resources voluntarily, as opposed to the strict tribute system of the Delian League
• The Second Athenian Confederacy had a more limited scope and duration compared to the Delian League, which lasted for several decades before its dissolution

Challenges of the Second Athenian Confederacy

Internal Tensions and Conflicting Interests

• The Second Athenian Confederacy faced the challenge of balancing the interests of its members with those of Athens, as some city-states were wary of Athenian dominance
• Internal tensions arose when some member states, such as Thebes, began to pursue their own interests and ambitions, which sometimes conflicted with the goals of the confederacy
• The growing power of Thebes, particularly after its victory over Sparta at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE, posed a significant challenge to Athenian leadership within the confederacy
• The Second Athenian Confederacy struggled to maintain cohesion and unity among its members, as individual city-states prioritized their own interests over the collective goals of the alliance

External Threats and Revolts

• The rise of Macedon under Philip II presented an external threat to the Second Athenian Confederacy, as Philip sought to expand Macedonian influence in the Aegean region
• The Social War (357-355 BCE), in which several key members of the confederacy, including Rhodes, Chios, and Byzantium, revolted against Athens, significantly weakened the alliance
• The revolting city-states in the Social War sought to break free from Athenian control and assert their own autonomy, leading to a significant loss of power and prestige for Athens
• The challenges posed by external threats and internal revolts exposed the inherent weaknesses of the Second Athenian Confederacy and its inability to maintain long-term stability

Success and Limitations of the Second Athenian Confederacy

Initial Successes and Achievements

• The Second Athenian Confederacy initially succeeded in counterbalancing Spartan power and providing a sense of security for its members
• Athens was able to reassert its influence in the Aegean region and maintain a degree of control over maritime trade and resources
• The confederacy's more equitable structure and voluntary membership contributed to its initial success, as member states felt less oppressed compared to the Delian League
• The formation of the Second Athenian Confederacy allowed Athens to rebuild its naval power and re-establish itself as a significant player in Greek politics

Limitations and Decline

• However, the Second Athenian Confederacy ultimately failed to maintain long-term unity and cohesion among its members, as internal tensions and conflicting interests weakened the alliance
• The Social War dealt a significant blow to Athenian prestige and the confederacy's effectiveness, as key members revolted against Athenian leadership
• The rise of Macedon and the growing power of Thebes challenged Athenian dominance and the relevance of the Second Athenian Confederacy in the changing political landscape of the 4th century BCE
• The confederacy's inability to effectively address external threats and adapt to the evolving geopolitical situation in Greece contributed to its decline and eventual dissolution
• Despite its limitations, the Second Athenian Confederacy represented an attempt by Athens to maintain its influence and protect its interests in the Aegean region, albeit with mixed success