Impact of the Enlightenment Enlightened Absolutism, War of Austrian Succession, Seven Years War
Enlightened Absolutism Rulers tried to govern using Enlightenment principles while maintaining royal powers Monarchs allowed religious toleration, freedom of speech and press, rights of private property They obey laws and enforce laws fairly
Enlightened Monarchs Frederick the Great Maria Theresa Joseph II Catherine the Great
Map of Europe 1700’s
Frederick the Great Monarch of Prussia (1712-1786) Well versed in Enlightenment ideals Abolished use of torture, granted limited freedom of speech and press, granted some religious toleration Kept system of serfdom
Maria Theresa Austrian Monarch – 1740 Not open to calls for reform Did improve conditions for serfs Supported a strong monarchy and their right to rule
Joseph II Austrian Monarch Son of Maria Teresa Believed need to sweep away anything that stood in way of reason Abolished serfdom, eliminated slavery, enacted religious toleration Most everything he did, failed and was overturned upon his death
Catherine the Great Monarch of Russia (1762-1796) Seemed to favor reform early Did not enact any Enlightenment reforms Expanded serfdom to new territories
War of Austrian Succession 1740-1748 War that set up Seven Years War Frederick II of Prussia did not recognize Maria Theresa as Austrian ruler He tried to take over Silesia Alliances formed – France & Prussia vs Austria & Enland War ended with Prussia keeping control of Silesia
Seven Years War (Europe) 1756-1763 Major rivalry between Britain and France Alliances – Britain & Prussia vs France, Austria, & Russia War was fought over control of European territories War ends in stalemate – Austria recognizes Silesia as Prussian
Seven Years War (India) Known as Great War for Empire Britain defeats France in India Britain maintains control over India
Seven Years War (N America) Fought between Britain and France over control of N America British defeat France France turns over Canada, Spanish turn over Florida Britain becomes world’s leading colonial power