Mussolini's Power In The Prince By Nicolo Machiavelli

When is cruelty ever justified? While it is a subjective topic, most would consider it as evil and inhuman. However, throughout The Prince, by Nicolo Machiavelli, another perspective of cruelty is introduced through the eyes of a prince. Machiavelli arouses a series of uncommon ideas and explanations on the certain pathways a leader should follow to become successful. Many of these ideas were present in the actions of an Italian dictator named Benito Mussolini. Mussolini rose to power through manipulation and force, making this Italian dictator the ideal Machiavellian leader. Despite his Machiavellian characteristics, Mussolini’s corrupted leadership led to a national outcry, and eventually to his very own demise. Historically, Mussolini was infamous for betrayal. For the duration of his earlier life and career, Mussolini gained admiration from the public, speaking for the Socialist Party. Mussolini continued to gain power from the Socialist party until his desertion in 1914. He abandoned the Socialists to

He controlled the workers harshly in response to restoring order in the country. To remain in mastery, he suspended people’s freedom, destroyed all that dared to oppose him, and made himself dictator of Italy. (qtd. in History 2) Mussolini had to use brutal force and cruelty to stabilize his towering power over Italy. Because he was nearly overthrown by his own people, he had to take extended measures to continue his leadership. His ability to utilize his power for his own protection portrays what Machiavelli said “when they can rely on themselves and use force, then they are rarely endangered” (pg 33). Ironclad with the blood of his people, Mussolini’s brutal actions were ideally similar to the advice of Machiavelli, which presented him immediate success. However, the success he fought for crumbled into nothings in his later