How did the delian league make greece more powerful?

Early on in the Leagues history the Delian League was split into two factions. One controlled by Athens, and the other by Sparta. After the Greek colonies in Ionia (Asia Minor) were liberated from the Persians, the Spartans were content to end the war. The Athenians wanted to continue the war, and Sparta let them take the lead in the League. By doing this, it enabled Athens to become the defacto leader of the Delian League. After all they were now the single most powerful member. Athens was able to establish new colonies and trade routes. This made Athens even more powerful and now small city states paid tribute and protection to Athens. So now, Athens grows rich. Rich means more ships for war and trade, more troops to enlarge an already formidable army, and most of Athens financial responsibilities were being paid by the tribute and protection being extracted from Athens "nominal" allies. #took of online but just restate it.