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The Prince Lessons

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The Prince written by Niccolò Machiavelli was first published during the Italian Renaissance in 1532. The book teaches politicians how to be powerful and yet viewed positively among the people. Machiavelli discussed actions of past rulers of Europe and whether or not their actions were correct. He analyzed how these men seized, retained and lost political power as well as land. The book has lasted throughout the ages and is referred to as a classic by many. The reason behind this is that its messages are applicable to all forms of government even in present day. However this was not what Machiavelli intended when he first started writing the book. If read carefully, it can be seen that he mainly targets a certain area for his guide. Also, most …show more content…

A key lesson is in chapter III when the reader learns how to retain land in a mixed principality. There are two different types of rulers that Machiavelli talked about. The first one he talked about was King Louis XII of France. He lectured that King Louis "occupied Milan (an Italian state) and just as quickly lost it"(Machiavelli, 9). The author said that he seized it correctly but did not do anything to retain the land he had captured. Machiavelli then introduces his ideas about retaining land and compares them to the Romans in that same chapter. He then said the Romans captured and held massive amounts of surrounding area as they followed the correct actions. Three main actions are taught in chapter three. The first action is to make a ruler's land/country superior and the defender of your neighboring lands/countries. The second is to not alter a newly seized territories's way of life and to go and live there. These will both result in the people not viewing the prince as a foreigner therefore having a less chance of rebellion. Lastly keep out and limit foreigners in the prince's seized land. This will stop the prince from having anyone that gains more influence than himself. Machiavelli used many ruler that ruled before his time in his

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