AP European History Football November 2009

The Head Coach – Niccolo Machiavelli “He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.” Machiavelli's willingness to see the bigger picture when making decisions has made him infamous in Western thought. His political treatise, The Prince, laid out the techniques to retain power as cunning and successful leaders. Machiavelli, therefore, would be keep his team in strict order. Machiavelli was innovative – establishing political realism at a time when idealism was the norm. He, therefore, knew his facts and could achieve gains by being wholly realistic, instead of losing time on pretentious plays. The Head Coach – Niccolo Machiavelli

Quarterback – Winston Churchill “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." Winston Churchill, as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, led Britain, along with other Allied Powers, to victory against the Axis Powers during World War II, proving himself capable of carrying a team on his shoulders and leading them to victory. (His V sign is legacy of this). Churchill was clearly cool under pressure, delivering some of the most inspiring speeches to the British during times of war and bombardment. The skills which allowed Churchill to have strong foreign relations as well as the power to mute any opposition to the war were a clear example of the Prime Minister's leadership material. Quarterback – Winston Churchill

Running Back – Napoleon Bonaparte “The word impossible is not in my dictionary.” Napoleon was clearly a risk taker – and a wise and successful one at that. He could risk 100,000 troops in a single battle and endure heavy losses but fight again and win. His ability to make risky, yet wise, decisions in tense situations would make him an invaluable running back. Conquering nearly all of continental Europe, Napoleon proved his ability to score tough yardage. His multiple coalition wars were clearly dazzling to watch and provided constant excitement even while a majority remained successful. Running Back – Napoleon Bonaparte

Wide Receiver – Philip IV the Fair “Let your extreme folly know, than in temporals we are not subject to any one.” Philip the Fair's brashness earned him firm rebukes from the pope; these rebukes, however, failed to stop him. He only further embroiled himself in the sensational showdown and eventually came out on top of the papacy. Though the king was infamous for his eagerness to confront the church, he backed up his confrontational nature with his performance – and the ability to rise to any challenge. His strength was also evident in his effective ruling, which allowed him to acquire new territories and the solicit the support of his subjects. Wide Receiver – Philip IV the Fair

Offensive Lineman – John Locke “Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.” The Americans may not have been able to successfully express their revolutionary ideals had it not been for John Locke's eloquent arguments defending the right, and obligation, to revolt. Locke also went on the offensive in his Two Treatises of Government, arguing for a state based on natural rights. Locke was clearly a pro at providing the bases for numerous offensives and would therefore be able to provide the logic and basis – or blocking - needed for his team to go on the offensive. Offensive Lineman – John Locke

Defensive Specialist – Joan of Arc “Of the love or hatred God has for the English, I know nothing, but I do know that they will all be thrown out of France, except those who die there.” Saving the day for the French, Joan of Arc turned the tide of the Hundred Years War. She could, therefore, be able to lead her team to victory – even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. By expelling the English from French lands, Joan of Arc proved to be capable of defending her “home turf.” Effectively providing the basis for King Charles VII's coronation, she also proved herself to be a necessary support for the coach – putting others' needs before hers. Defensive Specialist – Joan of Arc