1. Enlightened Despots

2. Effects of the Enlightenment
England
Civil war and establishment of a limited monarchy
Anger in the colonies because they are treated differently than "mother England"
France
No immediate change but seething discontent that will lead to revolution
Other countries
Attempts to adopt Enlightenment principles

3. Enlightened Despots Frederick II of Prussia (r. 1740-1786)
Rebelled against father
Later developed finest army
Built Sans Souci (Potsdam)
Invited Voltaire to the court

4. Enlightened Despots Catherine the Great of Russia (r. 1762-1796)
German born wife of Czar Peter III
Controlled government after Peter III’s accidental(?) death
Increased European culture in Russia
Peasant Reforms
Territorial Expansion
Corresponded with Diderot

5. Enlightened Despots Gustav III of Sweden (r. 1771-1792)
Forced Parliament to accept new constitution
Stimulated literature
Charles III of Spain (r )
Bourbon family
Improved life for Spanish
Suppressed Jesuits

6. Maria Theresa and Joseph II of Austria (r. 1740-1780)
16 children
Built Schönbrunn
Economic reforms
Limited power of the Pope
Reduced power of the lords
Joseph abolished serfdom
Poland divided

7. Enlightened Despots vs. Absolute Rulers
Focused on improving country
Economic reform
Sought advise
Reluctant to change
Economic disasters
Dictated

8. Thank You