DO NOW: (3 minutes) Why is it important for you to have freedom of speech and expression? (Think about what the world would be like if people had no say in their government)

September 15, 2016 Global History 2/Ms September 15, 2016 Global History 2/Ms. cruz Unit: Enlightenment Aim: How did Enlightenment ideas reform monarchies in Prussia, Austria, and Russia?

The Enlightened Despots Many philosophes, including Voltaire, believed that the best form of government was a monarchy where the ruler respected the people’s rights Philosophes tried to convince monarchs to rule justly. Those rulers that embraced this new idea and made reforms became the enlightened despots. Enlightened Despots supported philosophes ideas Had no intention of giving up their power Monarchs motivated by 2 desires 1) Makes countries stronger 2) Make own rule more effective 3

Frederick the Great Frederick II Reforms Most important contribution King of Prussia 1740-1786 Committed himself to reforming Prussia Reforms Granted many religious freedoms Reduced censorship Improved education Reformed the justice system Abolished the use of torture Most important contribution Attitude toward being king called himself “first servant of the state” He believed that serfdom was wrong but did nothing to end it since he needed the support of wealthy landowners. Serfdom – a system in which peasants were forced to live and work on a landowner’s estate. (What does this remind you of?) 4

Joseph II Joseph II Ruled Austria from 1780 to 1790. Reforms: Legal Reforms Freedom of Press Freedom of worship (even for Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and Jews) Abolished serfdom and ordered that peasants be paid for their labor with cash. After Joseph II death, many of Joseph's reforms, were undone.

Catherine The Great Catherine II Ruled Russia (1762-1796) Ruled with absolute authority Sought to reform Russia 1767, Catherine formed commission to review Russia’s laws Reforms based on Montesquieu Recommended allowing religious toleration and abolishing torture, and capital punishment Her commission accomplished none of these goals. Catherine puts in place limited reforms Did little to improve life of peasants Views of enlightened ideas changed after uprising of serfs in 1773 Catherine’s army crushed rebellion Gave the nobles absolute power over serfs The revolt convinced her that she needed the noble’ support to keep her throne. 6

Exit Ticket Name two reforms that each ruler attempted and/or succeeded to accomplish? Frederick the Great: 1. 2. Joseph II: Catherine the Great: