How did the growth of Athenian power contribute to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War?

Answer 1

Athens , a sea power ,sought to exploit her neighbors commercially through the dominance of her navy to the detriment of Sparta , a land based power , and other city-states . This led to many wars.

Answer 2

The Peloponnesian League of mainly Dorian city-states headed by Sparta was a counterbalance to the dominance of Athens' Delian ant-Persian league which had progressively become an Athenian empire. Athens' adventurism and over-confidence resulted in a collision between the two blocs.

Answer 3

Athens converted the anti-Persian Delian League into an empire of its own when peace was made after Persia in 449 BCE. Athens then expanded its interference in the affairs of other cities, including in particular the ex-colonies of Corinth, which was a member of the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta.

This interference inevitably led to conflicts, especially over Corcyra, Potidaia and finally Megara. An over-confident Athens refused to back down and war ensued.

Answer 4

Athens had become so powerful after peace with Persia by converting the anti-Persian league which it led, into an empire of its own. It became overconfident and persistently intervened in the affairs of the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta, leading to a showdown.