The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

Who was Machiavelli?

Nicclolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was born May 3, 1469 and died June 21 1527 in Florence, Italy. He was a controversial man who wore many “hats”. He was a historian, diplomat, politician, philosopher, and writer. He is widely accepted as the framer of modern political science and political ethics. Machiavelli made many contributions to his country Italy, but he is mostly acclaimed for his literary masterpiece “The Prince.” Machiavelli was able to formulate his theories presented in his masterpiece because of the considerable traveling and engagements with various world leaders his fourteen year career span as a diplomat. His many positions held, such as Secretary to the Second Chancery of the Signoria and assistant to Soderini who was elected chief magistrate of the Republic, allowed him to acquire wealth and govern regions. He lost his post as the Secretary of the Second Chancery when the Medici family was reinstated back to power after Spain overthrew the Florentine government. He was accused of plotting to overthrow the Medici government and was incarcerated and tormented. Upon his release after his innocence was favorably proven, he moved to a farm near San Casciano where his boredom allotted him time to write “The Prince.” “The Prince” has been portrayed by analyzers and supporters as one of the most vivid pieces of political theorization published centuries ago and is believed to have influenced the actions of controversial political leaders from Hitler to Saddam Hussein. It was written for Lorenzo de’ Medici, the political figurehead at the time. During that time, Italy and other countries were not unified and divided by wars and political turmoil. Europe was also undergoing their Renaissance, so everything was to be questioned and not accepted as the