Enlightened Women & Despots Mr. Meester AP European History

English Coffeehouses Unlike other intellectual movements the Enlightenment occurred largely outside of traditional centers of learning. Men met at coffeehouses and salons to discuss and debate their ideas. Nonalcoholic beverages made unruly behavior less likely. These establishments provided newspapers and journals. (Spread of Print Culture)

French Salons The ideas of the Enlightenment were promoted in the salons of France. In the 1600s women of Paris began inviting a few friends to their homes for poetry readings. By the 1700s, middle class women began holding salons. It played a prominent role in the exchange of enlightenment ideas. Salonieres (middle class) met on an equal basis with the nobility to discuss Enlightenment ideas The most prominent of the salonieres was Madame Geoffrin of Paris.

Women’s Rights? Montesquieu believed that women were not inferior to men and should have a larger role in society. He still expected the man to dominate the family, however. Diderot’s “Encyclopedia.” gave ideas on how to improve the lot of women in society. Didn’t stress that such reforms were needed. Rousseau believed in separate spheres for men and women. Believed women were fundamentally subordinate to men Overall, since most of the Enlightenment writers were men, they were somewhat indifferent to the plight of women.

Mary Wollstonecraft Women of the Enlightenment Period did have a dramatic influence on the age. Started the salons in France. One of the few female writers of the day was Mary Wollstonecraft. Wrote, “Vindication of the Rights of Women.” Believed most Enlightenment writers upheld the traditional role of women and would prefer them in a subservient status. Strongly believed in the equal opportunity of education for both men and women.

Enlightened Despots The ideas of the Enlightenment influenced not only writers and philosophers, but also the rulers of Europe. Enlightened Absolutism Those who were interested in the new thought of the period were called “Enlightened Despots.” Catherine the Great of Russia Frederick the Great of Prussia Joseph II of Austria In reality these monarchs only paid minor attention to the rights of people All the while trying to increase their own power

Frederick II King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786. Saw himself as the “First servant of the State.” Hired Voltaire to establish the Prussian Academy of Science. Improved agriculture by draining swamp lands and giving peasants tools and seed. Tolerated religious differences “In my kingdom, everyone can go to heaven in his own fashion.” Reorganized the civil service and simplified laws.

Joseph II of Austria The most radical Enlightened Despot. Traveled among his subjects while disguised to find out their problems. Known as the “Peasant Emperor.” Modernized the Austrian government. Chose talented middle-class officials as department heads. Imposed a range of political and legal reforms. Supported religious toleration. Abolished serfdom. Built hospitals and schools.

Catherine the Great of Russia Read the works of philosophes and exchanged letters with Voltaire and Diderot. Experimented with Enlightenment ideas when she became empress in 1762. Made limited reforms in law and government. Granted nobles a Charter of Rights. Began to speak out against serfdom Pugachev Rebellion Ruthlessly put down the rebellion and reinstated harsh serfdom on her people.

Problems in Poland Poland was large but had many weaknesses. Kings were elected by nobles. Puppets to the nobles. Caused domestic and international problems Another hindrance to Poland’s government was the Liberum Veto. Any member of the Diet could veto the actions of the legislature. Poland also contained a large number of people of different nationalities. Austria, Prussia, and Russia each tried to put its favorite on the Polish throne.

Partition of Poland In 1772, according to a previously made agreement, Russia, Prussia, and Austria each took a slice of Polish territory. Seized one-fourth of the land and one-third of Poland's population. Poland attempted to reorganize its government. Abolished the liberum veto. Adopted a new constitution.

End of Poland Before reforms could be carried out, Russia and Prussia took a second helping of Polish lands in 1793. Led to a Polish rebellion that threatened to spread throughout eastern Europe. To prevent the revolt from spreading, Russia, Prussia, and Austria met in 1795 and agreed on a Third Partition. This operation was final and Poland disappeared from the map of Europe.