, Research Paper
In 1513, Niccolo Machiavelli wrote a piece of work called, “The Prince”. It was written to all principalities, and that which is parallel to what Machiavelli suggests is often referred to as being “Machiavellian”. The purpose of this essay is to ask the question “Is Napoleon Bonaparte Machiavellian in Nature?” By the evidence found from Napoleon’s life and accomplishments it can said that he was not Machiavellian in nature, which can be demonstrated by numerous accounts as well as some suggested characteristics given by Machiavelli, to support this theory. This essay will take a look at Napoleon’s leadership skills, his beliefs and ideals, as well as his personality that made him a great political figure. These aspects of Napoleon’s persona give a description of how his character was different from that in Machiavelli’s “The Prince”.
In the area of leadership, Napoleon had many qualities that set him apart from the rest. Napoleon was a great leader but at times his people hated him. Machiavelli believed that, “? one cannot call it virtue to kill one’s citizens, betray one’s friends, to he without faith, without mercy, without religion; these modes can enable one to acquire an empire, but not glory.” Napoleon’s goal was to seize power for himself, and the cry’s of his people were drowned out for his own pursuit of power. Napoleon sought after glorification for himself, an example of this is when Napoleon was first exiled he returned to France and betrayed his country just so he could gain back his power, although he did not succeed. Another example of his leadership and how it is different from being Machiavellian is how his whole life he had no friends and how he was never close to his subjects. Machiavelli said, ” It remains now to see what the modes and government of a prince should be with subjects and with friends.” Apparently Napoleon was not a good friend considering when he was exiled the second time his friends that had been with him since the beginning were said to have killed him. Based on this it can be said that Napoleon does not display characteristics of being Machiavellian.
The area of Napoleon’s beliefs and ideals also has insight into what kind of leader and person he was. Napoleon believed that he would be a much more successful leader if the people liked him. This is thought so because when he was trying to get political support by the people he did not user fear, he found something they all wanted to hear and he said them. Even though Machiavelli said, “? it is much safer to be feared, then loved, if one has to lack one of the two.” Napoleon also tried to make the people like him by setting up the Napoleonic Code, which was a set of laws that gave religious freedom and equality. Another illustration of Napoleon’s beliefs and, or ideals was, instead of appearing to have Machiavellian characteristics, Napoleon actually had them. “Thus it is not necessary for a prince to have all the above mentioned qualities in fact, but it is indeed necessary to appear to have them.” Napoleon was actually a feared leader and thought of people as disposable but Machiavelli only said to appear to have these traits.
The final area of Napoleon’s behavior is his personality. Machiavelli stated, “? it is very natural and ordinary to desire to acquire, and always, when men do it who can, they will be praised and not blamed; but when they cannot, and want to do it anyway, here lie the error and the blame.” Napoleon could acquire what he wanted most of the time, but sometimes he would get greedy and fail a task and therefore would be blamed for it. For example, when Napoleon was done attacking Portugal for refusing to go along with the Continental System, he thought since he was there he might as well take over Spain as well. Because of his greediness and his enemy using guerilla warfare he was defeated. Another aspect of his personality not being parallel to what Machiavelli said was his lack of hunting during times of peace, when he was not in war. Machiavelli suggested, “? he should always be out hunting, and through this accustom the body to hardships; and meanwhile he should learn the nature of sites, and recognize how mountains rise, how valley’s open up, how plains lie, and understand the nature of rivers and marshes?” Nowhere does it ever say that Napoleon practiced this exercise of hunting or of studying the nature around him. Because of this, it cost him several losses like in Egypt, Spain, and Russia.
In conclusion, Napoleon halfway succeeded in his take over of France. Maybe if he had these Machiavellian qualities he would have fully succeeded. These three aspects of Napoleons life prove that he was not Machiavellian by nature. The aspects of leadership, beliefs and ideals, as well as personality are all important for a leader to have. Although Napoleon was a great leader his qualities contradicted to what Machiavelli was trying to say.
Другие работы по теме:
Napoleon Bonaparte Essay Research Paper NAPOLEON BONAPARTENapoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte Essay, Research Paper NAPOLEON BONAPARTE Napoleon was born at a time when society was changing very quickly during the French revolution. This was a time of opportunity for a person with his talents ambitions. The old rules and ways of doing thing were gone and new society had not taken place yet.
Napoleon A Military Leader Essay Research Paper
Every man is a maker of history. We all leave something behind when we are gone. But there are those that transcend this belief. Some men not only leave a mark on those they knew through out life, but they leave a lasting impression on the entire world. One such man is Napoleon Bonaparte. He will long be revered as on of the greatest leaders of all time.
Why Napoleon Was Successful Essay Research Paper
Why Napleon Was a Success Essay Napoleon Bonaparte, was born on August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio, Corsica. He had 7 brothers and sisters. His original nationality was Corsican-Italian. He also despised the French. He thought they were oppressors of his native land. His father was a lawyer, and was also anti-French.
Machiavellian Philosophy In King Lear Essay Research
Paper Machiavelli s ideas influence some of Shakespeare s characters in the play, King Lear. To use the critic A. P. Rossiter s phrase, Shakespeare s plays are about, the survival of the slickest. The characters in King Lear that reflect the Machiavellian philosophy are the two sisters, Goneril and Regan, and the son of Gloucester, Edmund.
Napolean Bonaparte Essay Research Paper Napoleon BonaparteNapoleon
Napolean Bonaparte Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte Napoleon Bonaparte, who is also known as the “little Corsican”, was born on August 15,1769 in Ajaccio, Corsica. His family had moved there from Italy in the 16th century. His original name was Napoleone. He had 7 brothers and sisters. His original nationality was Corsican-Italian.
In What Ways Was Napoleon A Warrior
Overloard In His Treatment Of His Subjects? Essay, Research Paper The question asks what was Napoleons treatment of his European subjects. However first we need to learn what these subjects were and distinguish the differences between them.
Napolean Bonaparte Essay Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte
Napolean Bonaparte Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte ? French Revolution Napoleon was the cure of the French Revolution when he came to power. It would be impossible to put them together. From what was chaos throughout France during the Revolution, came a new government that Napoleon created. He was able to balance the government?s budgets and setting up national banks thus helping and supporting the economy of France.
Napolean Essay Research Paper The qualities of
Napolean Essay, Research Paper The qualities of a Romantic hero are clearly displayed through the ambitions and actions of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s triumphs and ideas for France’s future truly made him a Romantic hero.
Napolean Essay Research Paper During the French
Napolean Essay, Research Paper During the French Revolution the years of 1799-1815, France was ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte. Although many people feel that Napoleon is one of dictatorship, the truth is he one for the country and did what he felt was in the best interest of France. Napoleon was a democratic leader for his country.
Was Napoleon Good Essay Research Paper Was
Was Napoleon Good? Essay, Research Paper Was Napoleon a good leader for France? There have been many successful military leaders throughout history, but no leader has ever taken over the whole world. This was nearly accomplished by the greatest military leader in history better known as Napoleon Bonaparte.
One Person Can Make The Difference Essay
, Research Paper It was Thomas Carlyle who believed that one person could change the course of events in history. He strongly believed that it was because of the individuals? greatness that led the people into their outcomes, not historical circumstances, which Carl Marx would argue. Napoleon Bonaparte is a perfect example of individual greatness.
Napoleon And The French Revolution Essay Research
Paper Napoleon saved France from a near anarchic situation. He extended the French territory to bring glory to the French people, and the rights of the revolution to the in Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte was the greatest man in all of history.
Napoleon I Bonaparte Essay Research Paper Would
Napoleon I Bonaparte Essay, Research Paper Would France be what it is today without Napoleon I? He was the leader of that country and also led them to their best conquering years. Not only that but he almost had the country conquered as well. Not only France, but the whole European continent would not be what it is today without Napoleon I.
Different Factors Led To Napoleon
’s Success. Which Of Factors Dealt With Napoleon’s Personality Which Of These Factors Were Outside His Control Essay, Research Paper There are many factors that were part of Napoleon’s success. Some of these were because of his personality, and others were completely out of his control. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in 1796 on the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea.
Henry Iv Essay Research Paper Henry IV
Henry Iv Essay, Research Paper Henry IV, A Look at a Machiavellian Ruler When looking at Henry IV while studying Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, one can see that henry was extremely Machiavellian in his ways. The Prince, written by Machiavelli, was written to guide a ruler in the key concepts of being able to have a kingdom that endures and to obtain and control and power in order to succeed during his reign.
Book Review Essay Research Paper Animal Farmby
Book Review Essay, Research Paper Animal Farm by: George Orwell Book Review by George Lacy Mrs. Spain Fall 96 Character Analysis of Napoleon “Napoleon was a large rather fierce looking Berkshire boar,” that was spoiled and always got his way. He was the only pig of the kind on the farm. Napoleon was a great rival to Snowball.
Napoleon Vs Snowball In Animal Farm Essay
, Research Paper When we first read Animal Farm by George Orwell we find it to be an amusing fairy tale, although it has a much deeper meaning. In Orwell?s novel the animals revolt against their human rulers talk and harvest crops. This whole idea of the revolt is based on the Russian Revolution, in which the revolt started of as a foundation of an idealistic society but as time flew by dictatorship returned [Animal Farm: downtown.ala].
Napoleon Essay Research Paper Revolutionary Leaders
Napoleon Essay, Research Paper Revolutionary Leaders The effects of the French Revolution were far reaching in terms of both place andtime. The political revolution evolved and changed government like a geological palatialshift changes landscape dramatically and violently. Leaders of the revolution rose andfell radically, all influencing this new ideal.
Summit Of Greatness Essay Research Paper It
Summit Of Greatness Essay, Research Paper It was December 2, 1804, with over 400 musicians and singers performing. The world famous cathederal, Notre Dame, was filled. All eyes were set upon Napoleon Bonaparte. This Corsican native slowly ascended the steps to the alter alone, siezing the crown with his own hands.
Napoleon Bonaparte 3 Essay Research Paper Napoleon
Napoleon Bonaparte 3 Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte s natural character can best be exemplified of that being of a revolutionary and nationalist individual. The political, social, and economic reforms personify Napoleon Bonaparter s natural characteristics as both a revolutionary and a nationalist.
Napoleon Bonaparte Essay Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte 2
Napoleon Bonaparte Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte, who was also known as the ?Little Corsican? (and later known as Emperor of France, and the prime mover of the Napolionic Wars), was born on August 15, in 1769 in Ajaccio, Corsica. From 1784 to 1785, Napoleon attended the Ecole Militire in Paris, where he received his military training.
Armenian Genocide Essay Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte
Armenian Genocide Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte was born on August 15, 1769 in Ajaccio on the island of Corsica. He had 7 brothers and sisters, and his father was a lawyer whose family stemmed from the Florentine nobility. His original nationality was Cursican-Italian. In 1779 Napoleon went to school at Brienne in France.
Napoleon Essay Research Paper Although he inspired
Napoleon Essay, Research Paper Although he inspired new social, economic, and political ideas, Napoleon Bonaparte is better known for his military tactics. Even today, his battle plans are used and studied by many in the military. Napoleon, who started out as an extremely short and wimpy foreigner who rose to become Emperor of France, died in 1821 at St.
Napoleon Essay Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte was
Napoleon Essay, Research Paper Napoleon Bonaparte was destined for greatness right from the start. Napoleon himself is quoted as saying, ?I realized I was a superior being and conceived the ambition of performing
Napoleon Essay Research Paper Essay OutlineThe Fall
Napoleon Essay, Research Paper Essay Outline The Fall of Napoleon I. Introduction: Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most powerful men ever to walk the face of the earth. He was France s best general, and overthrew the Directory in 1799 and monopolized power. He ruled France until 1815. Some thought him to be a great reformer.
Alexander The Great 2 Essay Research Paper
On the surface Alexander the Great appears to be similar to many modern generals and military leaders. Tojo, Hitler, Patton, Napoleon Bonaparte ,and Norman Scharttzcopf all could be considered military Geniuses on the same level of Alexander the Great. It is however upon examining their motives that the similarities begin to disappear.
Animal Farm Essay Research Paper The Russian
Animal Farm Essay, Research Paper The Russian Revolution is an example that absolute power often corrupts society. In the novel Animal Farm, author George Orwell shows through
Napoleon Essay Research Paper NapoleonThere are never
Napoleon Essay, Research Paper Napoleon There are never ending inquiries on the nature of Napoleonic power. But reason can prove to one that the Age of Napoleon was infact a time of democratic rule. Through Political, Social, and Economical reforms, Napoleon Bonaparte did not only transcend France, but he changed the course of history for Europe and the World today.