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__**Machiavelli’s Principles within the History of the** **United States** **and Modern Society:**__

The ideas presented by Machiavelli in The Prince are visible in the history of the United States as well as within our modern society. Extensive examples within our history prove that Machiavelli’s ideas have greatly shaped America.

Machiavelli argues that a Prince should become a master of war (Machiavelli). His ideas on war can be seen in the history of the United States. For example, Machiavelli argues that a Prince should be extremely familiar with the landscape of their kingdoms. During the American Revolution, Americans had an advantage on the British because they were familiar with the land and they used it to their advantage. It was “to the American's advantage, they were fighting on their own land and were experienced wilderness fighters from their battles with the native Indians” (Hart). This advantage made it possible for Americans to stand up against the strongest nation of the world. Guerilla warfare became common as American’s began to hide in the bushes and constantly attack the British by surprise.

(In this photograph of the American Revolution, Americans use the wilderness to attack the British by surprise.)

Another argument of Machiavelli’s that can be seen in the history of the United States is to rule for the better of the nation, not virtue. There have been many times in the history of the U.S. where Congress or the President has passed a resolution which helped the nation, while not necessarily following the conventional ideals of virtue. The First Bank of the United States greatly improved the economy of the United States; however, it was not virtuous because it mostly benefited those who were closely associated with the Bank; the rich (Cowen). Virtue was taken out of concept on the decision of the Bank of the United States. People like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison opposed the Bank because it violated the Constitution: the document which held the dearest virtues of the young nation.

As to Machiavelli’s idea that it is better to be feared than loved, it is clear that Presidents of the U.S. have used his principle. President’s like Andrew Jackson instilled fear into the Americans but only to the point where they followed him, not hated him. There was opposition towards him but not enough hatred to overthrow him. Jackson was able to execute the power of fear effectively and positively; he brought around many changes that benefited the nation as a whole.

In today’s society, Machiavelli’s ideas are still relevant. His idea that a Prince should be an expert at war is reflected in the Constitution: "Clause 1: The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America," which means that the President of the United States is the commander and chief of the U.S. military (Portland State University). As to ruling for the better of the nation instead of ruling with respects to virtue, Presidents know that an image that portrays them as virtuous will gain them popularity therefore they go out of their way to appear virtuous. However, a virtuous appearance does not mean that they are virtuous. Constantly, Presidents have acted in a bad way yet, since they are considered virtuous by the people, they are not persecuted for their actions as long as their actions bring about positive changes. Religion has always been a big issue in presidential elections: presidential candidate Mitt Romney is now being criticized for being a Mormon. People view religion as a basis of what virtues a particular person has. Since Mormons believe in polygamy, Americans are automatically stimulated into believing that Mormons do not hold the same virtues that they do and are therefore unsuitable to be their leader (Harris). This is a very big issue that has faced many presidential candidates before Romney but it is now up to Romney to try to convince the American audience into believing that his virtues are good.

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Cowen, David. “The First Bank of the United States.” E.H. Net. 2001. E.H. Net Encyclopedia. 2 Dec. 2007 __.__
 * __BIBLIOGRAPHY:__**

Harris, W.R.. “Mormons.” Catholic Encyclopedia: Mormonism. 1911. Trinity Counseling. 6 Dec. 2007 .

Hart, Joseph. “Major Battles, Events and Military Activities.” Battles of the American Revolution. 2007. Kidport. 5 Dec. 2007__ ____

Machiavelli, Nicolo. "1515 The Prince by Nicolo Machiavelli." The Prince. Oregon State University. 6 Dec 2007 __.__

“The Constitution of the United States of America” The Constitution. 1 Oct. 2001. Portland State University. 1 Dec. 2007__ 

Photographs:
“Major Battles, Events and Military Activities.” __ "Romney 2008?" 

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