What was the Delian League originally formed to do, and how did it become an Athenian empire?

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The key idea is that the Delian League began as a cooperative defensive pact against Persia, pooling resources to deter future aggression. Athens, possessing the strongest navy, naturally took the lead, but over time it used that leadership to extract resources and enforce obedience from other member states. The league’s treasury was moved from Delos to Athens, giving the city discreet control over how much each member contributed and how the money was spent. With naval power backing its authority, Athens imposed tribute payments and stationed garrisons, effectively subordinating member states and directing their foreign policy. Instances of expelling dissenting members show how coercive the power could be. All of this explains why the league shifted from a defensive alliance into an imperial system dominated by Athens.