A Sucessful Ruler in Machiavelli's Eyes

Many factors went into determining whether or not a prince or king was successful or not. Some of these factors were simple things such as the king's personality or the method by which he comes to power. Niccolo Machiavelli wrote this book as a guide for Lorenzo Medici to become a good ruler. He describes these factors, but attributes most leaders' achievements to their taking advantage of local circumstances. Machiavelli attributes military victory to having a strong army composed of native soldiers and strongly discourages using a mercenary army. The availability of soldiers is a local circumstance that can result in victory or defeat for a king. Another important local factor that can determine a thriving leader involves the land that is conquered. Machiavelli sheds light on the subject when he discusses tactics to be employed when ruling over a land with a different language, culture, or religion. Both of these local circumstances are considered by Machiavelli to be very important factors which contribute to the success of the prince or king. Machiavelli's writings and interpretation of leadership are crucial to history because shaped the history of Renaissance Europe.

Availability of native soldiers was, according to Machiavelli, one of the most important local circumstances that contributed to the longevity of a leader's successful rule over a conquered territory. We can see that Machiavelli was strongly against the use of mercenaries when he described them as disunited, thirsty for power, undisciplined and disloyal. He then spoke of how the use of foreign soldiers usually leads to the destruction of the leader. Machiavelli describes two different types of mercenaries: those who abandon their posts during ba...

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...arts of his kingdom or the weakening of other regions due to lack of leadership. The difference in the cultures and lifestyles presented difficulties in maintaining control over conquered lands.

Local factors and circumstances of a land conquered by a prince or king were very important in determining the success of the ruler. According to Niccolo Machiavelli two of the most important local factors for a foreign ruler to consider when trying to maintain power are the employment of loyal, native troops and the consideration of cultural differences. Both of these local circumstances are considered by Machiavelli to be very important factors which contribute to the accomplishment of the prince or king. Machiavelli's writings and interpretation of leadership are crucial pieces of history because they shaped the history of Renaissance Europe as we know it today.