The Prince-Machiavelli

When did Machiavelli write The Prince?

1513

What are principalities?

Principalities are monarchies that are old/ hereditary or they are new. The new additions were previously a principality or a republic.

Machiavelli claimed that people lived under a prince or they had previously been “ _______.”

living in freedom

Overall, so long as there was a long-running hereditary principality, how difficult did Machiavelli believe it would be for a next generation prince to rule it

Machiavelli claimed that it would be relatively easy for a next generation prince to rule. His reasons include that a next generation prince just does not have to “transgress the customs of his ancestors” and his ruling should be smooth sailing. Even if the next generation prince is met with some kind of force that could deprive the prince of his power, he will inevitably regain it because of how strong a hereditary line of succession is in keeping its traditional power.

 Machiavelli felt it would be more difficult to take over / rule the Monarchy of Turk (choose one).

Machiavelli believed it would be more difficult to take over / rulethe Kingdom of France

take over///rule

Explain this quote, “And he who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it, may expect to be destroyed by it, for in rebellion it has always the watchword of liberty and its ancient privileges as a rallying point, which neither time nor benefits will ever cause it to forget.”

The quote explains that if a ruler conquers a free city and does not destroy its traditions of freedom, the ruler will face rebellion. People value their freedom and that desire for freedom will incite rebellion, no matter the subsidies the ruler gives the people.

“One attains it [power] by help of popular favor or by the favor of the aristocracy.” And “for when the nobility see that they are unable to resist the people they unite in exalting one of their number and creating him prince, so as to be able to carry out their own designs under the shadow of his authority.” What does that mean?

For the first quote, Machiavelli is saying that a ruler can obtain authority by securing the support of the common people or by gaining approval from the ruling class. The second quote basically explains that when the ruling class realizes they cannot rule over the common people, they elevate one of their own to become “prince” or ruler that can rule under the oversight of the previous ruler.

What is the theme of Chapter 14? Explain what you learned and how Machiavelli’s views contrast with the modern democracy we live in today.

The chapter basically explains the importance of a ruler understanding how to use and maintain military power. 

Machiavelli advocates for a centralized ruler who has absolute control over military matters while in modern democracy, power is decentralized and military decisions are not at the hands of one person, but rather a group of leaders to decide what would be best for the country.

Summarize the chapter 17

Basically, Machiavelli is claiming that a prince/ruler should try to be both feared and respected but not hated. Machiavelli prioritizes fear over love, because it solidifies authority, but claims that cruelty must be used sparingly because it can lead to hatred which can spark a rebellion and deter authority.

What does Machiavelli mean “by force” and “of beasts” on the first page of this chapter (18)?  Evaluate. 

When Machiavelli says “by force” he means violence and the ability to assert one’s authority through military and physical violence. When Machiavelli says “of beasts” he is making a metaphor to animal-like qualities, such as brutality and slyness that secure power in the animal world.

Chapter 19 Summary

Machiavelli explains the importance of a rule to avoid actions that could lead to being hated by the people. He identifies that being excessively cruel and greedy, as well as acting unfair, can lead to being hated which could make a ruler lose his authority due to the rise of rebellion and instability. But, Machiavelli does also claim that a prince cannot be overly generous, as it makes him out to be weak. Machialli emphasizes a fair balance of being feared and loved without provoking hatred and loss of power.  

Chapter 21-Evaluate Machiavelli’s observation that newly created Spain, and other empires, fought wars under “the guise of religion” and that it is best to be for or against something—and perhaps that it is best to create enemies.

Machiavelli claims that the use of religion as a moral justification for war and the benefit of taking clear positions allow rulers to solidify their power and establish themselves as rulers. Having enemies, Machiavelli claims, almost acts as a check box filled when you know you have established yourself as a powerful ruler.

Chapter 21-Machiavelli appears to unabashedly support the free market.  Analyze why and the “end” (the end = the goal) he was seeking for Medici

Machiavelli aimed to create conditions where wealth could flow freely, supporting not only the material needs of a country but also the political power that would enable rulers to maintain their authority and solidify their power. The end was not just maintaining power but strengthening the creation of a stable and wealthy state, allowing rulers to defend against threats and project power amongst all the world powers.

Chapter 23-Why must flatterers be shunned

Machiavelli claims that flattery will only distort the urgency or gravity of a situation to appease the ruler, which can distort the reality of the situation for the ruler and prevent him from making wise decisions concerning his state.

Sycophant

A sycophant is someone who acts obedient to someone to gain an advantage or favorability.

Chapter 1 Summary

Machiavelli explains that principalities (states ruled by a prince) can be either hereditary, acquired through merit or fortune, or mixed. He emphasizes that new principalities are more difficult to maintain, requiring the ruler to adapt and sometimes use force

Chapter 2 Summary

This chapter focuses on hereditary principalities, which are easier to maintain because the people are accustomed to the ruling family. A prince who inherits power has a solid foundation, as long as he does not make major changes or cause discontent among his subjects.

Chapter 4 Summary

Machiavelli uses the example of Pope Alexander VI, who was able to consolidate power despite various challenges. He attributes his success to his ability to use both virtù (ability and skill) and fortuna (luck) effectively, particularly in manipulating people and situations.

Chapter 5 Summary

Machiavelli advises that when a prince takes over a city that was previously self-governed, he should either destroy it, settle it with his own people, or allow it to retain some autonomy while ensuring loyalty. The key is to prevent rebellion by controlling the elites and maintaining security.

Chapter 8 Summary

Machiavelli discusses rulers who gain power through immoral means, such as cruelty or treachery. While these rulers may initially face opposition, they can be successful if they maintain strong control and use fear to secure their rule.

Chapter 9 Summary

This chapter focuses on rulers who come to power through the support of their fellow citizens, often through popular support or the backing of influential factions. A prince in this position must balance the needs of the people and the elites to avoid losing his power.

Chapter 18 Summary

Machiavelli argues that a prince should not always be bound by traditional ethical principles like honesty, as sometimes deception or betrayal is necessary to secure power. The prince must be flexible, willing to break promises when it serves the greater good or his political survival.

Chapter 21 Summary

A prince should aim to be seen as virtuous, wise, and capable, as this cultivates respect and loyalty among subjects. He should manage his reputation carefully, demonstrating qualities like courage, generosity, and fairness, while also being willing to act ruthlessly when needed.