The Prince Chapter 1 Summary

Different kinds of states and how to conquer them

  • Okay, here's how it is. There are two types of governments: republics (that's the U.S.) and monarchies (that's England, sort of).
  • Now, there are new monarchies or old ones, and new monarchies can be either totally new (if a democracy suddenly got a king) or sort of new (if a king just added some land to his kingdom).
  • It looks kind of like this:
    • Republics
    • Monarchies
      • New Monarchies
        • Brand-spanking New Monarchies
        • Sort of New Monarchies
      • Old Monarchies
  • Now, when you're doing this whole conquering thing—yes, you, since only princes or rulers can read this book—there are a few things to keep in mind: the place you are conquering either already had a ruler or they are used to governing themselves. Also, when you conquer them, you can do it yourself or get someone else to do it; and you might be lucky or you might work hard. These are all of the ways to conquer a place.
  • Got it? No? Well that's what the rest of the book is for.