Of Princes and Statesmanship Niccolò Machiavelli, historically recognized as one of Italy’s most prominent political theorists of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, witnessed the temporary downturn of his homeland’s welfare due to foreign invasions from France, Spain, and Germany. In response to these misfortunes suffered by Italy, Machiavelli penned The Prince, in which he addressed Lorenzo the Magnificent, the contemporary ruler of Florence. In this treatise, Machiavelli articulated his opinions and …showed first 75 words of 608 total…

…showed last 75 words of 608 total…created a detailed and diverse array of advice for any prince, in all situations which he saw feasible. The Prince encompassed methods to learn the excellency of previous men, control one’s subjects, defend one’s territory, develop a strong military, and avoid hatred by one’s subjects. Machiavelli outlined many diverse aspects of statesmanship, as he advised Lorenzo the Magnificent to do what he considered would bring about a more prosperous future for Italy.