Machiavelli, The Prince Ch. 1-3

Dedication

He knows what he's giving isn't enough but he still gives it anyway####All states are either...

Dedication

He knows what he's giving isn't enough but he still gives it anyway

All states are either...

republics or principalities

How can principalities be divided?

Into hereditary principalities and new principalities

What are the types of new principalities?

Completely new or new attachments to existing states

A prince can acquire a new principality with what?

His own army or with the arms of others by fortune or strength

Long establish families

Naples to King of Spain

Or new

Milan to Francesco Sforza

Which is easier to govern, hereditary state or a new principality?

hereditary state

Why is it easier to govern a hereditary state?

The people under the rule of states are familiar with the prince's family and accustomed to their rules. Keep past intuitions intact while adapting

Another reason why it is easier to govern a hereditary state

Because the natural place of citizens in a hereditary state is to love the ruling family unless the prince commits some horrible act against his people.

How does he punish rebels

Punish delinquents, clear out suspects, strengthen himself in his weakest places

Why is a new principality more difficult than maintaining a hereditary state?

This gives people expectations that the new ruler will be better than the past one and will be extra harsh towards any ruler who makes a mistake

Another reason why a new principality is more difficult than maintaining a hereditary state?

When a ruler takes over another ruler's domain, he cannot fully maintain the support of the people who put him in office because he cannot promise the situation will improve.

When is it much easier to maintain a new principality

If the people share the same language and customs as the prince's own country

What are the two things the new prince has to do?

Destroy the family of the former prince. Maintain the principality's laws and taxes.

How can the ruler prevent further ruckus after successfully suppressing a revolt?

By harshly punishing the rebels and removing his opposition

To the magnificent...

Lorenzo De piero de medichi

What ornaments are presented to kings

Horses, arms, plots of gold, precious stones

What does he value most

The knowledge of the actions of great man

What does he offer?

The opportunity of understanding

Who quickly occupied Milan?

Louis the XII king of france

If you want to conquer a free people what are the 3 things you need to do

Devestate, occupy and allow them to keep laws but change taxes to establish an oligarchy

What does memory mean in this context

The memories of ancient liberty never die, so a prince will be better off destroying the republic or personally occupying the conquered state.

How is this different from conquering states governed by a ruling family (Dynasty).

The people of the state are used to being strictly governed, so they are easy to take over because they have no true sense of freedom.

What should princes do according to Machiavelli chapter 6

They should imitate past great rulers, that way if they fall short their reputations will still be great.

Rulers who triumphed on the strength of their own powers to take control

Moses, Cyrus, Romulus, and Theseus

What is the hardest and most difficult thing a ruler can do, according to Machiavelli Chapter 6.

Take control of a state by force or violence, instead of by natural inheritance order. This is generally more successful because they can meet the challenges of establishing new orders.

Princes who commit criminal acts can achieve power, but never …..

glory

What must a prince consider when seizing a state

The level of injury intended to inflict, he should strike all at once then stop any atrocities.

Story of Agathocles

A common man who joined the militia rose to ranks, and ordered his men to kill all the senators and install him to power, he remained in power and was a successful ruler but his actions allowed him to never be seen as great.

What is Machiavellis critque to Auxillery armies

Calling on another nation’s army is a no-win situation because if you lose then you are defenseless and if they win you owe your success to another nation. They typically might be more organized but their first loyalty is to another ruler and they are ultimately a threat.

What should a prince always be thinking about according to Machiavelli Chapter 14

The only thing a prince needs to study is the art of war

Why should a prince not develop a sense of generosity or liberality

being too nice can make you not nice, giving too much of your own wealth can in turn make your state deprived of what it needs

Why does Machiavelli praise Ceasar

He was a generous ruler who was able to maintain a successful regime. However, if he was not killed he probably would have become despised.

what is the opposite of cruelty

mercy, both have well used and poor used aspects

Ceasar Borgia

He conquered Romanga and Urbino completely and still was able to be liked by his people

What does the beat mean

Being the beast is being more than the man, meaning you are both a fox and a lion, needing to be clever but also violent and assertive

Achilles and Chiron

Achilles is a Greek myth where a legendary hero was raised by a half-beast, half-man.