Louis XI of France Essay

Machiavelli’s suggestion that a ruler should rule like both a lion and a fox is exemplified to very different degrees with the monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain, and Louis XI of France. Isabella and Ferdinand were strong, ferocious leaders who implemented local and state level authority impressively. They also cleverly established a guilded appearance as religious figures connected through diplomatic alliance to the Catholic church. They follow Machiavelli’s suggestion to the T. Louis XI of France, tells a different tale. Although he was known as the â€Å"Spider King†, infamous of his scheming, he was cleverly created footholds in the capitalistic realm of his country. His greatest downfall was his lack of foresight, and sheepish tendencies toward reclusiveness and isolation. Isabella and Ferdinand were supreme rulers. They established extreme, and savage local authorities that suppressed violence in their local city levels. They also brutally enforced the reconquista, the exile of Jews and Muslims. This gave them the appearance of being fierce, and proud. They were able to properly govern their people, protecting them from violence also keeping Catholicism at its prime. Isabella and Ferdinand were also considerably sly and clever as well. They created the appearance that they were extreme religious fanatics, while in actuality they were not. This granted them support from their followers, and also allowed them to create alliances with the Catholic church. With such alliances like Pope Alexander, they were able to gain footholds with the choosing of the bishops not only in Spain, but also in the new American Hispanic territories. It can alos be taken into consideration that Isabella and Ferdinand were able to also put the crown at the center of their government by training men of the middle class in Roman law, so that they were capable of ruling on a royal council, removing all outside nobility and aristocratic influence. Yet again, another fox like move. Louis XI of France tells a different tale. He promoted many new industries for France. This includes the silk and weaving at the Lyons and Tours. By doing this he created a capitalistic gain in his part of the continent. It welcomed new craftsmen from all over to draw monetary gain into his country. It was a very clever and â€Å"fox like† move. Again Louis of France was known for is commercial treaties that he created and welcomed with England, Portugal, and the towns of the Hanseatic League. By doing this he created economic alliance with these areas. He was capable creating unestablished but relevant ties to both these areas. It created a constant supply and demand to also aid France’s finances. Without making it known, England and Portugal had the potential to become economically reliant on France, and it’s new industries. Yet another â€Å"fox like† attribute. Unfortunately what Louis XI had in â€Å"fox like† qualities, he lacked in â€Å"lion like† ones. Because of this he was often marked with the term â€Å"Spider King† and known for his scheming ways. He was also criticized for not being nobel or brave when it came to the country’s infantry. He disbanded it, and instead hired Swedish mercenaries instead. You can imagine how terrible this looked upon himself, not supporting France or its capabilities. Because of this, Louis XI of France was made to look a coward. As it has been established, Ferdinand and Isabella are extraordinary examples of Machiavelli’s suggestion. They were both militarily fierce, but also well admired through they involvement in the church, making them effective rulers. Louis XI on the other hand, was less fortunate. Because he leaned too heavily toward one side, it can be seen that he was often a less effective ruler. Although his economic power was admirable, his lack of integrity and support for his own country is seen as cowardly. It is said that he was considered a reclusive and isolated man, and few mourned his death.