1. Impact of the Enlightenment
Enlightened Absolutism, War of Austrian Succession, Seven Years War

2. 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

3. Enlightened Monarchs Frederick the Great Maria Theresa Joseph II
Catherine the Great

4. Map of Europe 1700’s

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Catherine the Great Monarch of Russia (1762-1796)
Seemed to favor reform early
Did not enact any Enlightenment reforms
Expanded serfdom to new territories

9. War of Austrian Succession
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

10. Seven Years War (Europe)
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

11. Seven Years War (India)
Known as Great War for Empire
Britain defeats France in India
Britain maintains control over India

12. 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