Machiavellianism

The political ideals of Niccolò Machiavelli, written in his opus, The Prince, have contributed to the actions of numerous rulers over the course of history. These ideals include "the necessity of national unity based on a common language, culture, and economy and the preservation of national unity through the concentration and exercise of power by the state." (Adams, 31). The above principles had an immediate effect in 15th and 16th century Europe with many people trying to copy and adapt the ideals set forth by Machiavelli. The leaders, Cesare Borgia, Louis XII of France, and Charles I of Spain all made attempts at copying the principles of Machiavelli, but all failed through their allowance civil war, misevaluation of the power of others, and inability to rule alone. Cesare Borgia is a 16th century Italian noble who much of Machiavelli's The Prince, is based off of. He was born in 1475 to Pope Alexander VI and his mistress, Vannozza dei Cattanei. The majority of his childhood was spent in schooling to become a clergyman. This goal was reached in 1493 when he was made Cardinal. This was a short-lived position as he resigned the cardinalcy in 1498, shortly after his brother's death. His father made him prince of Romagna and Marche to territories in the Papal States of northern Italy. He was the beloved ruler of this land until 1507 and died fighting to regain the teeritory taken from him. Louis XII, another 16th century ruler was a great case study for Machiavelli as e wrote his opus. He served as a great leader in France, reducing taxes and reforming law.