HIS 101
Machiavelli Paper Assignment

This map of Renaissance Italy reflects one of the concerns that prompted Machiavelli to write his book and dedicate it to Lorenzo II de' Medici (1492-1519).  Machiavelli's intent was to provide a blueprint to unify Italy so that Italy might once again be great, as it was during the Roman Empire, and be a rival to the other great powers in Europe at that time.  By the early sixteenth century, both France and Spain had gone through the long-drawn out struggle to create unified countries (better to call them kingdoms rather than countries or states) and had emerged as the powers in Europe.
Photo credit.

Read Niccolò  Machiavelli (1469-1527) The Prince (in its entirety).

Answer the following question in a one-page paper:

Citing specific evidence from Machiavelli's The Prince (not from the textbook), identify, and briefly explain, the qualities of the ideal political leader.

Before proceeding, you might wish to read the short notes and review the study questions on Machiavelli. 

Your paper must follow this format:

• must have brief introduction and conclusion paragraphs (each not to exceed three lines); the introduction must directly respond to the assignment question and identify your analysis/thesis points.
• font size 10 or 12 only
• one-inch margins
• double-spaced
• page number citations for your quoted evidence
• name, and only your name, at the top left of the paper
• not to exceed one (1) page
• You may consider submitting a draft of your assignment to your instructor for feedback before submitting the assignment for the grade. At times, you may be asked to rewrite your essay.  This is done for your own benefit and will result in an improved grade.
  

Please take a moment to review Charlie's History Writing Center for specific information on the writing requirements for the assignments in the course. Please check this short explanation of what it means to cite historical evidence.

Your assignment should be submitted on Canvas.