Niccolo Machiavelli :: Papers

Niccolo Machiavelli Niccolo Machiavelli was born in Florence on 3 may 1469 during a time of great political activity in Italy. His startle role in political affairs came at the young get on of twenty-nine when the ruling regime of Savonrola fell from power in his ingrained city. Though he had no previous administrative background, Machiavelli was appointed to attend as second chancellor of the Florentine Republic under the overbold government. His nomination to this powerful diplomatic post was in large subtract due to the powerful influence of the Italian humanists who stressed the need for an tuition in the humane disciplines of Latin, rhetoric, classical studies, ancient history and moral philosophy subjects in which Machiavelli excelled as a student. The position of second chancellor include important responsibilities for the foreign and diplomatic relations of the republic and gave Machiavelli the opportunity to live on and observe fir st-hand the successes and failures of leaders throughout Europe. It was from these experiences as a diplomat and embassador that Machiavelli formed deep convictions nigh the methodology of effective leadership. Indeed, from his later literary works it is evident that the foundation for much of his political philosophy rested upon the lessons he displace from the diplomatic and soldiery events of his time. Machiavellis first assignment was on a mission to the court of Louis XII of France to appease the French leader by and by a disaster in their chemical bond against Pisa. He quickly erudite that Florences sense of its own importance was clearly at odds with the realities of its military position and relative wealth. To anyone educated in the school of modern kingship, his primeval government appeared vacillating and weak. Machiavelli took this embarrassment to heart and later wrote powerfully about the political necessity of military strength, the dangers of procrastination , the folly of appearing irresolute, and the need for boldness, ferocity, and patent power. A few years later, in October of 1502, Machiavelli was sent to meet with Cesare Borgia, the duke of Romagna and an cheap and threatening military power who later demanded a formal alliance with the Florentines. It was during this time of great political turmoil and upheaval in Italy that Machiavelli drew meaningful lessons from his observation and assessment of contemporary statecraft.