Enlightenment Rulers who ruled using Enlightened Absolutism

1. Enlightenment
Rulers

2. Leaders during the
Enlightenment
OPhilosophes believed in natural rights of all
people
O Equality before the law
O Freedom of speech
O Freedom of press
O Right to assemble, hold property
OEnlightened absolutism: leaders had
absolute power but upheld enlightened
ideas

3. Prince Frederick of Prussia
OAbolished torture
except in cases of
murder and treason
OGranted limited
freedoms (speech
and press)
OAllowed greater
religious toleration

4. Catherine the Great (Russia)
OListened to many
reformers, but
chose not to act
OFavored nobles
over peasants
OExpanded the
borders of Russia

5. Maria Theresa and Joseph (Austria)
OAbolished serfdom
OEliminated death penalty
OEstablished equality before
the law
OAllowed greater religious
toleration