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18th Century Age of the Enlightenment Part II
Ch. 17 Part II Enlightened Absolutism -Frederick the Great of Prussia -Catherine The Great of Russia -Joseph II of Austria
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Enlightened Absolutist
Absolutists in the 18th century attempted to apply the principles of the Enlightenment in their kingdoms Many philosophes supported strong monarchy as the best tool to implement the goals and ideals of the Enlightenment
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“Let us admit the truth: the arts and philosophy extend to only the few; the vast mass, the common people and the bulk of the nobility, remain what nature has made them, that is to say savage beasts.” --Frederick the Great to Voltaire
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IT’S A TRAP!
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T R A P
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Toleration of religious minorities R A P
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Toleration of religious minorities Reform of institutions A P
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Toleration of religious minorities Reform of institutions Absolutism (Duh!) P
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Toleration of religious minorities Reform of institutions Absolutism (Duh!) Patronage of the philosophes
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The Enlightened Absolutists
Catherine II Frederick II Joseph II (Russia) (Prussia) (Austria)
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Frederick “the Great” Prussia
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Frederick II “The Great”
Saw himself as the First SERVANT of the state Anti-Machiavel (1740) Frederick argued against Machiavelli that a ruler should be chiefly concerned with the well-being of his subjects. Patronage Frederick corresponded with Voltaire, who was a regular guest at his court before their relationship soured
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Religious Toleration Frederick expanded religious toleration in Prussia, but still favored Protestants for key government posts. Frederick was a skeptic himself
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Civil Service Reform Frederick reformed the Prussian bureaucracy, allowed for men of non-noble birth to fill senior government posts. Meritocracy
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Militarism Frederick continued to support a highly militarized state, contrary to the principles of the Enlightenment.
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Critical Thinking? In what ways did Frederick the Great successfully advance Enlightenment principles in Prussia? What factors limited his success?
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Catherine “the Great” Russia
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Assassination? Catherin’s husband, Peter III, died less than a year after taking the throne– likely by assassination
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Patronage Catherine purchased Diderot’s library…
Then paid him a salary to be her “librarian.” Catherine corresponded with Voltaire, who appreciated her flattery
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Pugachev’s Rebellion 1773-1775
Showed lack of Catherine’s reform Uprising of peasants & Cossacks on the Russian frontier
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Catherine was Weak on Reform
Catherine was too dependent on the support of the nobility to make serious modernizing reforms (e.g. serfdom or legal changes). Light on the reform Heavy on Patronage
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Self-Quiz Catherine the Great rolled out an ambitious program of Enlightenment-inspired reforms in Russia. True False
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Self-Quiz Catherine the Great rolled out an ambitious program of Enlightenment-inspired reforms in Russia. True False
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Joseph II Austria
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Most Radical Least Effective
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Co-Ruler with Maria Theresa
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Generous Religious Toleration
Joseph's policy included private worship for Jews.
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Multi-Ethnic State Attempted to Centralized Administration *Lots of push back
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Reformer Joseph abolished “serfdom” and granted more rights to peasants (although landlords retained some control)
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Most Radical Least Effective
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Joseph II knew he was un-effective
“Here lies Joseph II, who failed in all he undertook.” -Self suggested epitaph
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Self-quiz Can you remember the four characteristics of enlightened absolutism?
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IT’S A TRAP!
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Toleration of religious minorities Reform of institutions Absolutism (Duh!) Patronage of the philosophes
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