Enlightened Despots Flashcards
Who were they?
Who were the Enlightened Despots?
As enlightenment was spreading through Europe many philosophers worked to persuade the monarchy to rule in a fair way to all people.
Some Monarchs took on this new way of ruling and were known as the enlightened despots which meant the absolute ruler.
They supported the philosophers but had no intention of ever giving up power.
They wanted to make their countries stronger and rule more effectively and realized they had to change to do so.
Who was Joseph 2nd?
The most radical royal ruler of Austria.
He introduced lots of legal changes including the freedom of the press.
He supported free worship across many religions
He got rid of Serfdom and ruled that peasants had to be paid cash for work.
Who was Catherine the Great?
Ruled Russia from 1762-1769
Was well educated and read a lot of the philosophers work.
Wrote to the Voltaire.
Wanted to rule but also reform Russia.
In 1767 recommended relies reform, getting rid of torture and capital punishment.
She eventually got through limited reforms and didn’t end up improving the lives of Russian peasants.
How did Catherine the Great expand the Russian Empire?
When the serfs fought back in 1733 she decided they shouldn’t have better rights and she gave the Nobles power over the serfs again.
She then expanded her rule into Poland and defeated the King there.
In 1772 Russia Prussia and Austria each tried to take over Poland and got a small section each.
Russia continued to expand its power and so did Great Britain.
The Ruler of Great Britain Frederick the Great. was inspired by the ideas of enlightenment and wanted to form an independent republic.
What did Frederick the Great achieve?
His goal was to serve his country (England) and strengthen it by applying the ideas of the philosophes.
Granted religious freedom
Reduced censorship
Improved education
Reformed the justice system and got rid of torture.
Believed serfdom was wrong but didn’t try to end it because he needed the support of the nobles.
Never really did much to change social order. (the hierarchy of serfs, nobles, monarchy).
