Machiavelli's Influence On Politics And Power

The Renaissance was a period in which politics was in shambles. The Pope had military control, and even went to war with other Italian cities. Cities were divided with one another, fighting for power over one another. Other countries like France and Spain were not helping either, also engaging in wars for power and control over the cities. Basically, people were often fighting, invading, overthrowing their governments, things were in chaos. No government was as stable or powerful as the other, those who held power quickly fell. These events led to some drastic political changes, but it has also helped create some of the greatest political work ever. Men like Machiavelli and Castiglione have influenced politics that can still be considered …show more content…
The ideas of Castiglione and Machiavelli seem to differ when it comes to politics and power. Both considered to be a very influential men of the Renaissance. They both speak on similar topics, but they also have very different political …show more content…
A ruler must make a balance between hatred and fear, to avoid being overthrown by his people. Machiavelli also emphasizes the importance of staying independent as a leader. Machiavelli believes that depending on others can damage ones hold on power, especially if that person in power is influenced by his nobles. Machiavelli also understood political power by studying ancient political thinkers and those who ruled during his time. An example is an ancient historical figure called Agathocles. Machiavelli uses Agathocles as an example because of his use of violence as a way to gain power. Agathocles was a citizen and criminal who decided to join the military. Nevertheless, the man was devoted to the military and rose through the ranks quickly. He soon became military commander of Syracuse. Agathocles had ambitions to become a ruler, and to become a ruler, he used violent tactics to achieve just that. Agathocles committed many crimes and used brutal methods to reach his goal. Agathocles gathered the senate and other leaders to a meeting. Here, Agathocles became prince by killing the senate and other leaders. Machiavelli point Agathocles out because of his effective use of violence to become prince, but Machiavelli believed that such conduct