Machiavelli argues that conquerors must destroy former republics to prevent rebellions and maintain control over conquered territories.
Machiavelli's primary purpose in writing this passage is to persuade readers that a republic will remember freedom and someday rebel against a conqueror. He argues that a conquering prince must destroy a former republic if he hopes to hold it because cities accustomed to freedom will rebel against conquerors who do not crush their spirit. Using examples from history such as Spartans and Romans, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of decisiveness and control to maintain power over conquered territories.
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