Answer :
In the passage from chapter 5 of "The Prince," Machiavelli discusses the tactics used by Sparta and Rome to hold cities and their effectiveness. Here are the three options that support Machiavelli's secondary purpose:
1. The description of how Sparta had held Greece:
In the passage, Machiavelli describes how the Spartans held Athens and Thebes by establishing an oligarchy but eventually lost control of these cities. This highlights the temporary nature of their rule and sets the stage for discussing the effectiveness of different approaches to maintaining power.
2. The explanation of why Rome dismantled Greek cities:
Machiavelli explains that Rome, in order to hold cities like Capua, Carthage, and Numantia, chose to dismantle them rather than trying to maintain them as they were. This strategic decision by Rome demonstrates the effectiveness of using force and destruction to ensure control over conquered territories.
3. The characterization of liberty as a "watchword" of rebellion:
By referring to liberty as a watchword of rebellion, Machiavelli emphasizes the power of freedom as a rallying point for resistance against rulers. This characterization underscores the challenge faced by conquerors in retaining control over cities accustomed to independence.
By focusing on these aspects of the text, readers can understand Machiavelli's insights into the tactics employed by Sparta and Rome in holding cities and the lessons that can be drawn from their successes and failures in maintaining power.
1. The description of how Sparta had held Greece:
In the passage, Machiavelli describes how the Spartans held Athens and Thebes by establishing an oligarchy but eventually lost control of these cities. This highlights the temporary nature of their rule and sets the stage for discussing the effectiveness of different approaches to maintaining power.
2. The explanation of why Rome dismantled Greek cities:
Machiavelli explains that Rome, in order to hold cities like Capua, Carthage, and Numantia, chose to dismantle them rather than trying to maintain them as they were. This strategic decision by Rome demonstrates the effectiveness of using force and destruction to ensure control over conquered territories.
3. The characterization of liberty as a "watchword" of rebellion:
By referring to liberty as a watchword of rebellion, Machiavelli emphasizes the power of freedom as a rallying point for resistance against rulers. This characterization underscores the challenge faced by conquerors in retaining control over cities accustomed to independence.
By focusing on these aspects of the text, readers can understand Machiavelli's insights into the tactics employed by Sparta and Rome in holding cities and the lessons that can be drawn from their successes and failures in maintaining power.