The Leaders of 18th Century Europe
Regent ( ) was Duke of Orleans – Louis XV was only 5. Nobility made a strong comeback Louis XV - implemented 5% Income tax on everyone - no one was exempt. – What problem could that cause?
Parlement of Paris protested the tax and challenged royal authority Government withdrew tax in 1764 passed legislation limiting the King from levying any tax without consent of the Parlement
Louis XV appointed Rene de Maupeou to crush his opposition abolished Parlement Philosophes disagreed with his policies - led to a stream of attacks on his Royal authority.
What other king we studied does this sound like? What happened to him? What is different now in Europe that might impact Louis XIV in a very negative way?
Philosophes displeasure with him took away the aura of the King Died before he could prevail Louis XVI took the throne - eager to please Weakened and unreformed Monarchy
Wife of Peter III He was overthrown and murdered within months of taking over- with the approval of Catherine Ruled for 34 years Corresponded with Voltaire and other thinkers.
Did very little to reform or modernize Russia Introduced Western ideas that only pleased herself. Led to flourishing scholarship, book publishing, journalism, architecture and theater
Catherine herself wrote articles and plays Sponsored the 1st school for girls in Russia Established an elementary school system
Mostly spent time increasing Russian autocracy and military power Extended Russia’s boundaries southward and westward Charter of Nobility of landlord’s control over peasants and serfs became stronger then ever before Died November 17, 1796
She died while attempting an unusual practice with a horse – Not true – probably started by the French elite soon after she died as a way to mar her reputation. She died on the toilet – and her body was so bloated that she shattered the toilet – this more recent rumor that emerged also as an attempt to humiliate, and mar her reputation.
Perfect example of the benevolent or enlightened despot Friend of Voltaire Learned - wrote essays, poetry and music - Voltaire taught him to write elegant French.
Implemented a type of Religious Toleration accepted Catholics and didn’t persecute Jews as much as other rulers of his time. Militaristic - passion for military victory
Founded Elementary Schools for peasants Founded High Schools for future government officials Founded Berlin Academy of the Sciences
What was so Enlightened about his rule? What was not so Enlightened about his rule?
Proved her abilities by successfully defending Austria from those who believed it was easy to conquer a woman - Frederick the Great of Prussia Believed in reform: Increased taxed on nobility, Roman Catholic Church
Confiscated monastic property Expelled Jesuits Steps towards abolishing Serfdom.
What was Enlightened about her rule? What was not Enlightened about her rule?
A Model Enlightened Despot Abolished Serfdom Equality of Taxation Equal punishment for equal crime (Nobles - Peasants)
Legal punishments were less cruel Equal civil rights extended to Jews Even appointed Jewish nobles Wanted independence from Rome Seized Catholic Monasteries - used property to finance hospitals
Few reforms were long lasting Resistance from Hungarian Nobility didn’t like abolition of serfdom didn’t like equal Taxation didn’t like Roman Catholic Church
Died disillusioned Brother Leopold II reversed most of Joseph’s reforms.
What was Enlightened about his rule? What was not very Enlightened about his rule?
Believed political change should come from them; the government. Encouraged by philosophes to make laws that promoted human happiness They acted abruptly and wanted quick and immediate results - IMPATIENT
They justified their authority on usefulness not divine right Rational and Reformist - regarded political change as possible and desirable. “The Monarch is not the absolute master, but only the first servant of the state.” - Frederick the Great