Enlightened Absolutism

Several European rulers saw value in reform. They sought to strengthen the monarchy vs. nobles, The Church and other challengers. The best examples are Frederick II of Prussia, Joseph II of Austria, and Catherine II of Russia Used reforms for military goals

Joseph II (r ) Maria Theresa already expanded education and taxation and serf’s rights. Joseph wanted to limit Hungarian autonomy. Refused to be crowned King of Hungary, reorganized local gov. and required the use of German in gov. Universal taxation

Joseph II religious reforms Gave freedom of worship to Lutherans, Calvinists and Greek Orthodox and private worship to Jews Josephinism: Forbade direct communication between bishops and the pope. Closed seminaries and over 600 monasteries. Made priests state employees.

Social Reforms Abolished serfdom and the death penalty Gave peasants freedom to marry, do skilled work and have children trained without landlord permission. Gave peasants access to royal justice Land Reform and compulsory education

Catherine the Great ( ) 1767 Legislative Commission Reorganized local gov. but put nobles in charge Charter of the Nobility: freedom from taxes and corporal punishment, control of serfs, right to assembly, trial in their own courts Not enough educated subjects or money.

Reforms Influenced by John Locke she founded the Smolny Institute to educate noble girls. Divided Russia into provinces and districts to rationalize administration. Allowed serfs to file complaints

Fought 2 wars vs. the Ottoman Turks and gained Crimea and the Ukraine Gained Polish territory by placing her lover on the throne and deals with Austria and Prussia Took many contradictory stances on religion.