William The Conqueror Machiavellian Principles

Nichollas Tidow
Dr. Calvo
World History H Period: 1
Wednesday, February 26th, 2014
William the Conqueror’s use of Machiavellian Principles
William the Conqueror epitomizes Niccolo Machiavelli 's idea of a prince in the use of his policies and his character. He turned the British Isles into a powerhouse with Machiavelli 's institutions from
The Prince
. William the Conqueror’s extensive military knowledge, understanding of laws, ruthless nature, tactics to maintain his territory, and introduction of religion all have a direct correlation with Machiavelli’s principles.
Machiavelli stressed that every ruler should posses a basic understanding of war. William the Conqueror, displayed his military knowledge in conquering the British Isles. He tricked the
When the opposing army was most vulnerable, after being attacked by the north, William lead his army to attack through the south. It was a clear victory for William the Conqueror. Machiavelli stated that all rulers must posses knowledge of war because war is alway looming. An armed man will not listen to an unarmed man, ergo a military force will disregard a prince without extensive knowledge of war (Machiavelli, 60). In this case
William the Conqueror’s military force would not have obeyed him and would not have been successful, had it not been for his military expertise. Furthermore, in the case of William the
Conqueror, the army he lead to England would not have been successful without him, a war connoisseur, at its helm.
When William the Conqueror subjugated England he preserved the laws and kept the people content. According to Machiavelli there are only three manners in which a newly conquered territory can be ruled. Those three manners are complete obliteration, relocation of the

Nichollas Tidow
Dr. Calvo
World History H Period: 1
Wednesday, February 26th, 2014
William the Conqueror’s use of Machiavellian Principles ruler to the new territory, or maintenance of previous laws. William the Conqueror wisely
To further unite his colony and prevent rebellions, William the Conqueror introduced
Catholicism as the only religion in England. As both Machiavelli and he knew, a colony embedded with religion is sustained effortless. Since religion motivates states in times of war and keeps them content in times of peace, the ruler’s colony lives on. William the Conqueror introduced Catholicism by replacing English bishops with catholic Normans. He also named
Lanfranc archbishop and gave him control over religion in England. However, introducing a religion for the people does not imply that the government becomes a theocracy, William the
Conqueror simply used religion as a tool to keep the territory under control. To achieve the ideal situation of possessing a colony and ruling out rebellions William the Conqueror introduced a legal code demanding all to practice catholicism and replaced the bishops of his new territory.
In conclusion, since Machiavelli and William the Conqueror share such a vast number of similarities it is easy to presume that great minds do think alike. William the Conqueror’s extensive military knowledge, understanding of laws, ruthless nature, tactics to maintain