http://www.idbsu.edu/courses/hy101/peloponn/14.htm

Aftermath of the Sicilian Expedition

 Still, Athens was not defeated. She still had great resources among her allies and much wealth still flowed into the Piraeus. It was a measure of her resources to note that Athens now raised yet another fleet and was able to continue the war.

Three serious problems confronted Athens now. The most serious was that she still had not the means of defeating her enemies, other than holding on and hoping for a settlement. She also now lacked a great leader such as Pericles or even Alcibiades. And, finally, politics kept interfering with the war--the ancient conflict between the aristocrats and the democrats.

 In 414, as a result of the defeat in Sicily, the oligarchs were able to seize power. They conduct the war for a few years, but they prove incompetent. Athens suffered more losses, and the oligarchs were widely suspected of colluding with Sparta for an end to the war that would be detrimental to Athens. By 410, sentiment had again swung around in favor of the democrats.

 Feelings ran so strongly that Athens welcomed back her prodigal son.

History of Western Civilization