100 Points!!! A. The Delian League was a defensive alliance among the city-states, led by Athens. Its purpose was to keep Persia from attacking or conquering Greece. Each city-state contributed ships and money to support the league's efforts.

B. After a while, city-states along the coast realized profits from the protected trade, and some felt the Persians were no longer a threat. But other city-states paid a heavy price and wanted to end the alliance, especially as Athens asserted authority over the business of the league and in the affairs of individual city-states. When some city-states tried to disband, Athens used force to keep them under control.

C. The defeat of the Persians led to a golden age in Athens, under the leadership of Pericles. Athens forged a mighty empire.

D. Sparta never joined the Delian League and disapproved of the growing influence and power Athens was asserting. When Athens bullied one of Sparta's allies, the Spartans attacked.