Bellringer (11/14/14) Name two key figures of the Enlightenment (bonus if you can explain what they did/what they are famous for) Write this in your notes!

Today’s Class (11/14/14) Outcome: Agenda: Be able to connect how the system of Enlightened Absolutism emerged from the Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment in the 18th century. Agenda: Bellringer Enlightenment Packet Review Enlightenment Packet (Last night’s homework) Guided Notes: Enlightened Absolutism

Absolutism + The Enlightenment = Enlightened Absolutism

Impact of the Scientific Revolution Intellectuals and philosophers of the 18th century were impressed by the advances and achievements of the figures of the Scientific Revolution. These intellectuals and philosophers would use ideas of the Scientific Revolution, such as reason and the scientific method, to reform society.

The Enlightenment Emerges Figures such as Newton, Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau all used reason and logic to influence European political life in the 1700s. These philosophes believed in natural rights for all people. These rights included equality under the law, religious freedom, freedom of speech, hold property, and pursue happiness.

Preserving Enlightenment Ideas With the emergence of these new Enlightenment ideas, there has to be a governmental system to establish and preserve these natural rights. For this, the philosophes wanted an enlightened ruler.

Enlightened Rulers Enlightened rulers allowed religious toleration, freedom of speech, and the right to private property. Above all, they obey the laws and enforce them fairly for all subjects. This new system of rulers governing using Enlightenment ideas while maintaining their royal power is known as enlightened absolutism.

Enlightened Rulers There were 3 rulers who were faced with the dilemma of being absolute rulers during the time of the Enlightenment. These rulers were: Frederick II – Prussia Joseph II - Austria Catherine the Great - Russia

Frederick II of Prussia In Prussia (northern Germany), Frederick II (also called Frederick the Great) made minimal changes to society. Implemented Enlightenment reforms of abolishing torture, allowing freedom of press and speech, and gave greater religious freedom But, did not abolish serfdom (slavery), and kept Prussia’s pyramid-like social structure.

Joseph II of Austria Joseph II’s mother, Maria Theresa, was not as open to Enlightenment reforms as her son, but did seek to help the serfs. Joseph II was much more open to Enlightenment reforms: “I have made Philosophy the lawmaker of my empire.” Abolished serfdom, eliminated the death penalty, established equality before the law, and instituted religious tolerant policies. Ultimately, his reform efforts made enemies with the nobility and the church.

Catherine the Great of Russia Catherine came to power in 1762 after her husband, Peter III, was murdered. She agreed with the Enlightenment ideas of the philosophes, but her success as queen required the support of the Russian nobles. Due to this, her policies favored the nobles and not Enlightenment reforms like abolishing serfdom or instituting equality before the law. As a result, her legacy is the expansion of Russian territory, not Enlightenment ideas.

War of Austrian Succession Upon the death of Charles VI, Maria Theresa, became the empress of Austria. Frederick II of Prussia tried to take advantage of the new female queen by invading part of Austria known as Silesia. In turn, Austria made an alliance with Great Britain to try to overpower Frederick.

War of Austrian Succession France joins the war on Prussia’s side and invades the Austrian Netherlands. The war is fought in three parts of the world India (between French-British), North America (between French-British), and Europe. Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ended the war; all lands were returned except Silesia which Frederick II refused to return.

The Seven Years War Frederick’s refusal to return Silesia and Maria Theresa’s unwillingness to accept its loss resulted in another global conflict – The Seven Years War. New alliances formed: France, Austria, Russia v. Great Britain , Prussia Russia’s unexpected withdrawal from the war in Europe created a stalemate. After Britain defeated France in both North America and India, France was forced to give up its colonies in these areas.

Reflection Response In a paragraph, explain how the system of Enlightened Absolutism developed from the ideas of the Scientific Revolution & the Enlightenment.