Enlightened Despots

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Enlightened Despots
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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

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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

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Enlightened Despots

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

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Enlightened Despots

• Gustav III of Sweden (r. 1771-1792)
• Forced Parliament to accept new constitution
• Stimulated literature
• Charles III of Spain (r. 1759-1788)
• Bourbon family
• Improved life for Spanish
• Suppressed Jesuits

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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

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Enlightened Despots vs. Absolute Rulers

• Focused on improving country
• Economic reform
• Sought advise

• Reluctant to change
• Economic disasters
• Dictated

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Thank You