Answer :
In Machiavelli's "The Prince," the text provides evidence supporting the idea that a conquering prince must destroy a former republic in order to hold it. The three options that align with this concept are:
1. The portrayal of Greece as being held by Sparta: This supports the idea that a conquering prince must take decisive actions to maintain control over a territory, as seen through the example of the Spartans losing Athens and Thebes despite establishing an oligarchy there.
2. The explanation of how Rome held Capua, Carthage, and Numantia: This demonstrates the necessity of dismantling conquered cities to prevent future uprisings and rebellions, emphasizing the importance of destroying the existing power structures in order to maintain control.
3. The description of liberty as a rallying cry for rebellion in former republics: This highlights the danger of leaving a city accustomed to freedom intact, as it can serve as a focal point for resistance and rebellion against the conquering prince, reinforcing the need for decisive actions such as destruction to prevent uprisings.
By considering these points from the text, it becomes evident that Machiavelli's primary purpose is to persuade readers that a conquering prince must take drastic measures, including destruction, to ensure the successful and lasting control of a former republic.
1. The portrayal of Greece as being held by Sparta: This supports the idea that a conquering prince must take decisive actions to maintain control over a territory, as seen through the example of the Spartans losing Athens and Thebes despite establishing an oligarchy there.
2. The explanation of how Rome held Capua, Carthage, and Numantia: This demonstrates the necessity of dismantling conquered cities to prevent future uprisings and rebellions, emphasizing the importance of destroying the existing power structures in order to maintain control.
3. The description of liberty as a rallying cry for rebellion in former republics: This highlights the danger of leaving a city accustomed to freedom intact, as it can serve as a focal point for resistance and rebellion against the conquering prince, reinforcing the need for decisive actions such as destruction to prevent uprisings.
By considering these points from the text, it becomes evident that Machiavelli's primary purpose is to persuade readers that a conquering prince must take drastic measures, including destruction, to ensure the successful and lasting control of a former republic.