1. Aim: How did Enlightenment ideas reform monarchies in Prussia, Austria, and Russia?

2. 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 2

3. Frederick the Great Frederick II Reforms Most important contribution
King of Prussia
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” 3

4. 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
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 4