How effectively does Pericles try to win the support of the Athenian people in this passage? AQA 2018

Passage is Thucydides 2.61. ‘If one has a free choice and can live undisturbed, it is sheer folly to go to war. But suppose the choice was forced upon one – submission and immediate slavery or danger with the hope of survival: then I prefer the man who stands up to danger rather than the one who runs away from it. As for me, I am the same as I was, and do not alter; it is you who have changed. What has happened is this: you took my advice when you were still untouched by misfortune, and repented of your action when things went badly with you; it is because your own resolution is weak that my policy appears to you to be mistaken. It is a policy which entails suffering, and each one of you already knows what this suffering is; but its ultimate benefits are still far away and not yet clear for all to see. So, now that a great and sudden disaster has fallen on you, you have weakened in carrying out to the end the resolves which you made. When things happen suddenly, unexpectedly, and against all calculation, it takes the heart out of a man; and this certainly has happened to you, with the plague coming on top of everything else. Yet you must remember that you are citizens of a great city and that you were brought up in a way of life suited to her greatness; you must therefore be willing to face the greatest disasters and be determined never to sacrifice the glory that is yours.’ Answer:The passage is looking for engagement with the passage as well as other knowledge learnt over the course of the A-Level. First, one should answer the question of how effective the speech is- in my opinion, reasonably effective as it achieved all its main aim of continuation. The student should also give context to the passage, i.e. the speech is taking place in the first years of the Peloponnesian War after invasions of Attica, and Pericles is defending his strategy. Key points to discuss are: admitting war is "sheer folly" if there is a choice, but giving an alternative of slavery. Gives the positive option of "survival" and appeals to pride. Defends his policy from criticism and criticises the Athenian people, before saying things will get worse before they get better- here would be a good talking point about whether this is the most effective option. Then again attempts to invoke their pride. Points on the effectiveness can be seen in the results: continued policy, did not send embassies to sue for peace, but made Pericles pay a fine before reelecting him shortly afterwards. Thus, the speech seems rather effective as it achieves all of the main aims.