Changes Under Solon

Athens came to be controlled by Solon, an archon. The agriculture debts the people of Athen carried were forgiven, which was huge. If all the debts could be forgiven today, can you imagine the changes for the better it would make to our society as a whole? Not only were debts forgiven, but slaves were set free. Now, everyone that owned land could make a name for themselves within the four new classes of Athens. I think this sounds pretty similar to the American Dream in the sense that it is thought that anyone who is driven and strikes out on their own can reach success. It's like rags to riches. These farmers had a new opportunity every year to gain political and social standing. No longer was worth or position determined solely on birth but rather on personal drive and accomplishment, which is the way it should be. Although this worked for a lot of people, those who did not own land or were women and children, couldn't take part. This shows that although the Athenians were making great strides, they still had a lot of work to do.