Development+of+Democracy+in+Greece+(Essay+Project+1)



How did democracy happen? Think about it... This is what defines our country's very way of life.

What would lead these men to think of such a radically different way of doing things???

In your essay, you will explore what many historians and scholars believe are the "primary reasons" for the development of the idea of a democracy!

Your sources: Our discussions in class (these may require you to take some notes) The internet (of course, this is 2012 folks...) Your text books and any other relevant readings
 * //All sources must be cited!!!//**

This essay may require some significant time working outside of class. If needed, we will schedule a writing workshop after school.

Due Date - Wednesday, January 11, 2012

__ //**Writing Assignment #1**// __ Develop a 5 paragraph essay explaining how the geography of ancient Greece contributed to the development and exchange of ideas, cultures and philosophies. //**Your thesis should reflect the idea that geography led to democracy**//.

Think about the following and how they can support your hypothesis: -the mountainous topography created isolated pockets for differing groups of people to evolve, protection from invasion/other city-states and restricted agricultural resources (no rivers/fertile plains for seasonal harvests). -land limitations forced the Greeks to take to the sea. -Athens developed quite differently from Sparta, yet both were unique. -the development of the egalitarian military forces. No single king/strongman could take charge of the entire peninsula. -Greece does not have any major rivers, but it is surrounded on three sides by seas. -the olive and grape were integral to trade in the Mediterranean region. -limitations on livestock (think goats/sheep)

and of course... think about MR. LIP and how this applies



Download this graphic organizer to help you organize and build out your essay.



Here are some tips on essay writing.