Question

Read this passage from chapter 5 of The Prince.

There are, for example, the Spartans and the Romans.
The Spartans held Athens and Thebes, establishing
there an oligarchy: nevertheless they lost them. The
Romans, in order to hold Capua, Carthage, and
Numantia, dismantled them, and did not lose them.
They wished to hold Greece as the Spartans held it,
making it free and permitting its laws, and did not
succeed. So to hold it they were compelled to
dismantle many cities in the country, for in truth there
is no safe way to retain them otherwise than by ruining
them. And he who becomes master of a city
accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it, may
expect to be destroyed by it, for in rebellion it has
always the watchword of liberty and its ancient
privileges as a rallying point, which neither time nor
benefits will ever cause it to forget. And whatever you
mav do or provide against. they never forget that name
What text evidence supports Machiavelli's primary
purpose to persuade readers that a conquering prince
must destroy a former republic if he hopes to hold
it? Select three options.
the list of cities Rome and Sparta conquered
O the portrayal of Greece as being held by Sparta
O the explanation of how Rome held Capua, Carthage,
and Numantia
O the description of liberty as a rallying cry for rebellion
in former republics
O the example of the Florentines losing control over
Pisa

Answer 1

The text evidence from Chapter 5 of "The Prince" by Machiavelli that supports his primary purpose to persuade readers that a conquering prince must destroy a former republic if he hopes to hold it includes:

1. **The explanation of how Rome held Capua, Carthage, and Numantia:**

- This passage illustrates that the Romans, in order to maintain control over certain cities, chose to dismantle them. This action is presented as a strategic move to ensure lasting dominance.

2. **The description of liberty as a rallying cry for rebellion in former republics:**

- Machiavelli argues that when a city is accustomed to freedom, not destroying it may lead to rebellion. The rallying cry of liberty and ancient privileges can become powerful forces against the conqueror.

3. **The example of the Florentines losing control over Pisa:**

- While not explicitly mentioned in the options, the example of the Florentines losing control over Pisa supports Machiavelli's argument. It serves as a practical example of the consequences of not taking decisive measures when acquiring a former republic.

These passages collectively convey Machiavelli's perspective on the necessity of strategic actions, including dismantling, to maintain control over conquered republics.