1. Enlightened Absolutism Late 18 th century

2. Enlightened Absolutism Enlightened Despot/Absolutist: rulers who tried to justify their absolute rule by claiming to rule in the people’s interest by making good laws, promoting human happiness, and improving society – They were instructed by the philosophes – Typically didn’t argue “Divine Right” – Late 18 th century – A bit of an oxymoron

3. Why Respect the Philosophe? The philosophes were considered intellectuals and had elevated status, therefore were well respected by monarchies throughout Europe. Philosophes were not the voice of the common people (“people”). Most influential Enlightened Absolutists: – Catherine the Great, Russia – Frederick the Great, Prussia – Joseph II, Austria (Hapsburg)

4. Catherine the Great (r.1762-1796) German princess who led Russia (was married to Peter III, plotted to have him murdered) -created hospitals -codified Russian law -brought “culture” to Russia -allowed some religious toleration -improved education, local govt. -sought territorial expansion -Pugachev serf uprising (1773) led her to reverse some reforms

5. Catherine the Great & Peter III

6. Frederick II, Prussia (r. 1740-1786) Nicknamed “The Great” for his enlightened reforms Positive: -improved educational system -eliminated torture of accused criminals -allowed freedom of religion and press Negative: -Didn’t end serfdom, kept noble privileges in tact

7. Frederick the Great

8. Maria Theresa & Joseph II, Austria (Hapsburgs) Maria Theresa (Austria) -est. national army -limited the power of the Catholic Church -revised the tax system -improved ed. system -limited the power of the lord over serfs Joseph II (Austria) -abolished serfdom -tolerance of Calvinists and Lutherans -eliminated restrictions placed on Jews -abolished capital punishment

9. Maria Theresa & Joseph II

10. War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) Frederick II (Great) invaded Austrian controlled Silesia. – This broke the Pragmatic Sanction of Charles VI allowing Maria Theresa to rule in peace. – Maria wanted Silesia back and fought with various alliances (mainly Britain, and Prussia fought with France). She lost Silesia to Prussia in 1748 in the Treaty of Aix-la- Chapelle. – Maria soon determined that Britain was a bigger enemy to her than France. She allied herself with France and Prussia allied with Britain (they switched allies). – The war that subsequently took place (because Frederick attacked Austrian ally Saxony) was called the Seven Years War in Europe (1756-1763), and French and Indian War in North America.