Final answer:
The most important general after the Persian wars was Pericles, who played a significant role in steering Athens towards democracy. He funded the construction of iconic buildings and promoted democratic reforms. The Persians did not like the democratic government in Athens due to its direct democracy, and the Persian Empire came to an end due to the conquests of Alexander the Great.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. Who was the most important general after the Persian wars?
The most important general after the Persian wars was Pericles, who was also a prominent statesman and orator in Athens. He played a significant role in steering Athens towards democracy and led the city-state during its golden age.
2. What did Pericles do?
Pericles was a statesman in Athens who promoted democratic reforms and oversaw numerous public works projects. He encouraged the arts and funded the construction of many iconic buildings in Athens, including the Parthenon.
3. Why did the Persians not like the government?
The Persians did not like the democratic government in Athens because it was a direct democracy, where all eligible citizens could directly participate in decision-making. This form of government was different from the centralized and autocratic rule of the Persian Empire.
4. What is a direct democracy?
A direct democracy is a type of government where eligible citizens have the power to directly participate in decision-making. In Athens, all free adult males were considered citizens and could attend the Assembly to discuss and vote on laws and policies.
5. How did the Persian Empire come to an end, and who caused it to end?
The Persian Empire came to an end due to the conquests of Alexander the Great, a Macedonian king. Alexander defeated the Persians in several major battles, including capturing their capital city of Persepolis. This led to the downfall of the Persian Empire and the emergence of the Hellenistic period.