2. What is Enlightened Despotism? is a form of absolutism (or despotism) in which rulers were influenced by the Enlightenment.
3. Enlightened Despotism (cont.) Enlightened monarchs embraced the principles of the Enlightenment, especially its emphasis upon rationality, and applied them to their territories
6. the right to hold private property Most fostered the arts, sciences, and education
7. What Did the Philosophes Think? Many did not wish to go the political route of Montesquieu’s limited monarchy or Rousseau’s democracy Most were pro-monarchy (Voltaire, Diderot, etc.) and did not wish to limit a monarch’s power
8. Philosophe’s (cont.) Instead, they sought to redirect that power toward the rationalization of economic and political structures & the liberation of thought
20. Joseph II of Austria r. 1780-1790 Co-ruled with his mother, Maria-Theresa from 1765 until her death in 1780
21. Joseph II Not known for his warm personality - was said to be impersonal & humorless However, he wanted to improve life for his people
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24. Joseph II’s Reforms Wanted to extend his borders Wanted to exert his authority over areas where his mother had wisely chosen to stay out (irrational to have more than 1 leader)
25. Joe’s Reforms (cont.) Tried to establish German as the sole language of the empire (irrational not to all speak the same language) Didn’t work out, and eventually had to rescind these orders
40. Granted peasants many personal freedoms such as the right to marry and engage in skilled work w/o landowner’s permission
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42. Peasants no longer had to bear burden of taxes aloneDied shortly after this decree and it was never implemented (his brother Leopold was forced to repeal it…)
48. CTG’s Territorial Reforms Continued the drive for warm water ports (fought Ottoman Empire) 1774 Treaty of Kuchuck-Kainardji - gave Russia a direct outlet on the Black Sea Active in the First Partition of Poland (along w/ Austria & Prussia)
49. CTG’s Social Reforms Limited, but did create hospitals & orphanages Limited religious toleration Slight restriction of the use of torture by the government
50. Pugachev Rebellion 1771-1775 Most violent peasant uprising in Russian history 1773-1774 - peasants and Cossacks killed 1500 nobles and clergy This rebellion limited the amount of reforms geared toward them
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52. Who Was Most Enlightened? In your journal section, write 1 paragraph that answers: Who best exemplifies an “Enlightened Despot” - Frederick the Great, Joseph II, or Catherine the Great? Why?
