Question

6th social studies
u7l2 - athens and sparta
due
homework: developing and supporting an argument

(the chart is a venn diagram with three sections: athens only, similar, sparta only. the rows and their contents are as follows:
location:
athens only: coastal trade
similar: greece
sparta only: inland farming

education:
athens only: boys all subjects
similar: boys
sparta only: boys and girls military

slavery:
athens only: could buy freedom
similar: had slaves
sparta only: treated harshly

status of women:
athens only: no rights, took care of home
similar: women could not vote
sparta only: had rights

type of government:
athens only: power in the hands of all
similar: only men had power in govt
sparta only: power in the hands of a few

then the text below the chart:)
athens and sparta..... friend (handshake icon) or foe (spear and shield icon)?
use the information from the venn diagram above to develop and write an argument to answer the above question. you should support your argument with at least three pieces of evidence.

(then a lined space for writing the response, followed by:)
check your response:
☐ did i ttqa to state my side of the argument in my thesis statement?
☐ did i use three pieces of evidence from the venn diagram?
☐ did i elaborate or expand to explain how this evidence supports my argument?

Explanation:

To determine if Athens and Sparta were friends or foes, we analyze their differences and similarities. Their differences in location (Athens: coastal trade; Sparta: inland farming), education (Athens: boys all subjects; Sparta: boys and girls military), and government (Athens: power to all men; Sparta: power to a few) are significant. These differences in economy, society, and politics suggest they were more foes.

1. Location: Athens relied on coastal trade, while Sparta focused on inland farming. This economic difference could lead to competition for resources or trade routes.
2. Education: Athens educated boys in all subjects, fostering intellectual growth, while Sparta trained boys and girls for military service, prioritizing warfare. This shows differing societal values, with Athens valuing knowledge and Sparta valuing military strength.
3. Government: Athens had a government where power was in the hands of all men (democratic - leaning), and Sparta had power in the hands of a few (oligarchic). These contrasting political systems could create ideological conflicts.

Answer:

Athens and Sparta were foes. First, their locations led to different economies: Athens relied on coastal trade, and Sparta on inland farming, creating potential resource competition. Second, their education systems differed: Athens taught boys all subjects, while Sparta trained boys and girls for the military, showing conflicting societal priorities. Third, their governments contrasted: Athens gave power to all men, and Sparta to a few, leading to ideological tensions. These differences in economy, society, and politics made them more foes than friends.