Persians blocked the entrance to the Hellespont keeping Athens from
trading in the Black Sea. The Persians competed with the Greeks for trade
in the Aegean. The Persians controlled former Greek city-states in Asia
Minor.
This was a clash between East and West. Greeks had a variety of governments
in which the citizens generally could participate. In Persia, the ruler
was absolute. The Greeks were traders, fishers and farmers while the Persians
were mostly farmers.
Significance of outcome
Spartans fight delaying action at Thermopylae
Persian soldiers occupy Athens
Remaining Persian army is defeated at Plataea
City-states in Asia Minor revolt
Persian fleet is defeated at Salamis
Greeks defeat Persians at Marathon
Emperor Xerex returns to Persia
This war provides us with several text book battles and great fodder
for mythology.
Greek city states unite into the Delian League providing stability in
the region ushering in the Golden Age of Greece (Athens).
Athens dictated what tribute was to be part of the league and some
city-states sent ships and men instead of money. Originally established
on the basis of equality of its members, the preponderant power of Athens
soon made the league subservient to Athenian interests. When the occasion
demanded, Athens used force to keep the allies in line. In 454 the treasury
was transferred to Athens; the league by that time clearly had been transformed
into the Athenian empire.This period allowed the ideas of democracy to
flourish and refine thus preserving the idea for Western Civilization.