 Enlightenment thought influenced politics through natural rights like freedom of religious worship, freedom of speech, press, etc.  To establish and preserve these natural rights believed that people needed to be governed by enlightened rulers. Only strong enlightened monarchs could reform society

Natural right The right that belongs to every human from birth, regardless of wealth or social position

 Rulers try to rule by enlightened principles while maintaining their royal powers. Examples to follow

 Frederick William I and Fredrick II made Prussia a major European power. Created a highly efficient government and an army that was the 4 th largest in Europe. Frederick II or Frederick the Great, was one of the best educated and most cultured monarchs of the time. Was a dedicated ruler. He abolished the use of torture except in treason and murder. Granted limited freedom of speech and press.

 One of the great European states. Composed of many nationalities.  Maria Theresa inherits throne. Worked to centralize and strengthen the state.  Joseph II had many reforms. Abolished serfdom and eliminated the death penalty. He alienated - the nobles by freeing the serfs, - the Catholic Church with religious reforms, - serfs were unhappy because they didn’t understand the changes.

 Catherine II, was familiar with the works of the philosophes and seemed to favor them. She did consider the idea of a new law code that would recognize the principle of the equality of all people in the eyes of the law. In the end did very little because needed the support of the Russian nobility. She did expand Russian territory by taking half of Poland.

 Only Joseph II sought truly radical changes based on enlightenment. Most were guided primarily by their interest in the power and welfare of their state. Used power to collect more taxes and create armies.

 Stage was set when a war broke out over Austrian succession for the throne.

 Maria Theresa to succeed to throne but Frederick II of Prussia did not want it to happen so captured Silesia.  Maria allies with England—The War of Austrian Succession was fought in Europe, in Asia and in North American where the British captured the French fortress of Louisburg.  After seven years signed Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle. Guaranteed the return of all occupied territories except Silesia. Maria refused to accept the loss of Silesia.

 Two new rivalries appeared Britain and France over colonial areas.  Austria and Russia over Silesia. New world war.  In the end, Austria officially recognized Prussia’s permanent control of Silesia

 Britain and France struggle called the Great War for Empire, was fought in India and North America.  Britain more persistent and won in India with Treaty of Paris 1763.

 Greatest conflict of 7 Years War took place in North America. British and French fought over two main areas—Gulf of St. Lawrence and the unsettled Ohio River Valley.  French gained support of Native Americans.  When William Pitt came to power in England things change. Britain began to totally defeat the French in battle and at sea as well.  Came down to battle of Quebec where the French were eventually forced to surrender,  In the Treaty of Paris the French gave Canada and lands east of Mississippi to British. Spain also gave up Florida to Britain because they were France’s allies.

 Architecture was of the grand style. Art was a new style called Rococo. Emphasized grace, charm, and gentle action. Used delicate designs.

 Johann Sebastian Bach-0ne of the greatest composer of all times.  George Frederick Handel—wrote the Messiah  Both perfected the baroque musical style.

 Novelists began to choose realistic social themes.  Henry Fielding wrote novels about people without morals who survive by their wits.

 Highly secular artistic style popular by the 1730’s  Rococo  France gave Louisiana to Spain, Spanish Florida came under British control, and Canada became British. These were all outcomes of what in North America?  Seven Years’ War

 Diplomatic revolution of 1756 led to what?  A worldwide war  Ruler of Russia from  Catherine II  Catherine the Great of Russia favored the landed nobility, expanded serfdom, enlarged what?  The Russian Empire  Fredrick the Great of Prussia enlarged what?  The army

 Traditional Austrian empress  Maria Theresa  In the war of the Austrian Succession, Prussia invaded where?  Austrian Silesia  The concern of the 18 th century monarchs for balance of power basically involved the desire to prevent what by one state?  domination

 Monarchical rule by Enlightenment principles  Enlightened absolutism