Political Unrest in the Athenian Origins of Direct Democracy

As Sparta began to hone in on a particular type of government, one of military might, pride, and glory, the giants up north truly began what Democracy is all about.  Due to the large population, Athens had to develop some governmental method to deal with its people.  One of the major differences between Sparta and Athens comes in the midst of a food crisis.  Canceling all debts owed by land owners, and announcing the freedom of slaves, Solon in his reign, started what Sparta could not.  Allowing slaves the new freedom to build a life for themselves, assisted in what was the building block of Greek Democracy.  Solon also allowed for new Greeks, and historically poor Greeks (men only) to work up political and economic might. Unfortunately as politics always unfolds, someone else is standing off stage waiting for their chance to mold the world to their own liking.  Pisistratus seizes Athens, however, in doing this encourages trade and industry, or greater opportunity to share goods amongst the larger populous.  As history unfolds within this article, a greater grasp of different leadership styles, and how these leaders contribute to the making of Democracy.  Finally under Pericles equality came, and the choice for governmental position was based rightly on merit and efficiency and not wealth.  Each leader comes with his own idea, and how government ought to be ran, however, as I see it the times of Athenian prosperity happened most when its citizens were involved in the political process, and were given a voice.