3. The Diverse Forms And Acquisition Of Principalities
Le Prince — Résumé 🇺🇸 English
All the states and dominions that hold or have held sway over men are and have been either republics or principalities. Principalities are divided into two main categories, being either hereditary, where the governing family has long held power, or entirely new. New principalities can be completely new creations, such as Milan was for Francesco Sforza, or they can function as newly acquired territories annexed to the hereditary states of the ruling prince, comparable to how the kingdom of Naples was added to the domains of the king of Spain.
These acquired territories differ fundamentally in their prior political traditions. Before annexation, the populations within these states were accustomed either to living under the rule of a prince or to enjoying absolute freedom. Furthermore, the methods by which a ruler gains control over these dominions vary significantly. Acquisition can be achieved through the arms of others, through the conqueror's own military force, by means of fortune, or through the power of personal virtue.