Machiavelli

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Machiavelli
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BACKGROUND

• 16th Century
• Political writer/historian
• Believed Roman Empire was perfect society and
  military
• Wrote The Prince and On the Art of War

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Changes during his lifetime

• Decline in feudalism
• Money economy
• Mercenaries common
• Rise of professional army

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Thoughts On War

• Mercenaries not loyal
• Drafted troops better
• Rural Militias
• Military power is the base of society power
• Good laws
• Leaders want conquest

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Thoughts On War (cont)

• Use your full force
• Success depends on good order/discipline
• Quick Wars
• Politics is war, but conducted by other means

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Qualities of Great Captain

• Ambition
• Insistence on Supreme Command
• Capacity for detailed planning
• Secrecy
• Decisiveness
• Ruthlessness