Enlightened Absolutism

Rulers and Their Enlightenment Political change should come from above From the ruler, not from the people Enlighten the monarch, who can then make changes Government officials were attracted to the enlightenment

Enlightened Absolutism The rule of 18th century monarchs Adopted enlightenment ideals of rationalism, progress, happiness, and tolerance Without giving up their absolute rule Most effective changes were in Prussia, Russia, and Austria

Frederick the Great of Prussia Determined to use the grand army his dad left him He pounced on a part of Austria known as Silesia, led by Maria Theresa Doubled the size of the population Prussia was now a world power

International Opposition Maria Theresa formed an alliance against him Seven Years War Frederick fought off army on all sides Forced him to think not of territorial expansion, but domestic policies that strengthened his state

Social Change Allowed people to believe in any religion or philosophy they wanted Promoted advancement of knowledge Improved schools Permitted scholars to publish their findings

Political Change Laws were simplified Torture of prisoners was abolished Judges decided cases quickly and fairly Reconstructed agriculture and industries

Failure to Keep Going Still accepted the practice of serfdom Continued to expand the nobility Imposed harsh rules on the Jewish community, despite the rise of a new Jewish Enlightenment

The Austrian Maria Theresa After Frederick took Silesia, she focused on three major domestic changes One: limited church’s political influence Two: strengthened government and raised taxes Three: reduced power of the lords over their serfs

Joseph II Hit the ground running when he came into power Abolished serfdom Instead of working, the serfs could pay off their land with cash Rejected by nobles and serfs Joseph died before it could pass

Catherine the Great of Russia German princess Her father commanded a regiment of the Prussian Army Her mother was related to Russian nobles

Ruthless Takeover Married the emperor of Russia, Peter III He withdrew his armies in the Seven Years War Alienated the Russian Army Catherine conspired with others to kill her husband and become the empress

Huge Enlightenment Fan Had three main goals that gained support from enlightened thinkers One: westernized Russia Two: social changes, like religious tolerance and advancement of schools Three: expand territory

Failure to Keep Going A gigantic uprising of serfs Wanted serfdom abolished and taxes lowered Although they failed, they caused Catherine to regret making changes Gave absolute power to nobles and worsened conditions for serfs

Conclusion, the Rulers of the Enlightenment Combined traditional old-fashioned politics with ideals of the enlightenment Expanded the role of government in social life Failed to make progress in things we find humane The support of the enlightened thinkers shows how far they still had to go