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 may 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.

A. The list of cities Rome and Sparta conquered
B. The portrayal of Greece as being held by Sparta
C. The explanation of how Rome held Capua, Carthage, and Numantia
D. The description of liberty as a rallying cry for rebellion in former republics
E. The example of the Florentines losing control over Pisa



Answer :

Final answer:

The text provides evidence supporting Machiavelli's view that conquering princes must destroy former republics to retain control.


Explanation:

The text evidence supporting Machiavelli's primary purpose to persuade readers that a conquering prince must destroy a former republic if he hopes to hold it are:

  1. The explanation of how Rome held Capua, Carthage, and Numantia: By dismantling them, Rome was able to maintain control over these conquered territories.
  2. The description of liberty as a rallying cry for rebellion in former republics: Machiavelli emphasizes that former republics will use liberty as a rallying point for rebellion if not destroyed.
  3. The portrayal of Greece as being held by Sparta: Shows the example of how Sparta held Greece through methods like establishing oligarchies and dismantling cities.

Learn more about Machiavelli's strategies for retaining control over conquered territories here:

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