Which of the following was an effect of the Peloponnesian War?

The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE) between the city-states of Athens and Sparta in ancient Greece had several significant effects. One of the major consequences of the Peloponnesian War was the weakening of the Greek city-states and a shift in the balance of power in the region. Here are some key effects of the Peloponnesian War:

1. Weakening of City-States: The Peloponnesian War led to widespread destruction and loss of life in both Athens and Sparta. The prolonged conflict exhausted the resources and manpower of the participating city-states, weakening their overall political and military strength.
2. Economic Decline: The war had a detrimental impact on the economies of the warring states. Athens, which relied heavily on its maritime empire, saw its naval power diminished. The loss of trade routes and agricultural territories contributed to economic decline.
3. Rise of Macedon: The Peloponnesian War set the stage for the rise of Macedon as a dominant power in Greece. The Macedonian king, Philip II, exploited the weakened state of the Greek city-states and eventually united much of Greece under Macedonian rule.
4. Impact on Democracy in Athens: The democratic government in Athens suffered as a result of the war. Internal strife and political instability led to a decline in the Athenian democracy. Eventually, Athens fell under the rule of the oligarchy of the Thirty Tyrants, though democracy was later restored.
5. Cultural and Intellectual Decline: The war had a negative impact on the cultural and intellectual life of Greece. The loss of life, destruction of cities, and economic decline contributed to a decline in the flourishing cultural and intellectual achievements that characterized the Golden Age of Athens.
6. Legacy of Mistrust: The Peloponnesian War left a legacy of mistrust and animosity among the Greek city-states. The constant conflicts and power struggles weakened the sense of unity among the Greeks, making them more susceptible to external conquests, such as those by Philip II and his son, Alexander the Great.