Enlightened Despotism

ENLIGHTENED DESPOTISM – some monarchs adopted certain Enlightenment ideas
è Overview: In sum, reforms were made but very modest improvements occurred and life of the peasantry remained hard in the 18th century.
· Progressive reforms included toleration of religious minorities, simplified legal codes, and promotion of practical education.
· Yet, Absolutists more vigorously sought reforms to strengthen the state and allow them to compete militarily with their neighbors.
· In essence, continued state building of their predecessors.
è “Frederick the Great” (Frederick II: 1740-1786) of Prussia
· At war for first half of his reign
· War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) – (King George’s War – 1744-1748)
Prussia, France, Bavaria & Spain vs. Austria and Russia
Took Silesia from Austria; Prussia now most powerful German state: “Great Power”
Treaty of Aix-laChapelle (1748): legitimized Frederick’s conquest.
· Seven Years War (1756-1763) – (French and Indian War)
Prussia alone in fighting France, Russia & Austria (outnumbered 15-1)
“Diplomatic Revolution of 1756: Britain allied with Prussia (but of little value)
Peter III of Russia let Prussia off the hook at a critical moment
Treaty of Paris (1763): Prussia retained Silesia; remained a “Great Power”
· Became a reformer during 2nd half of his reign – ruler was the “first servant of the state”
· Religious freedom, education in schools and universities, codified laws, promoted industry and agriculture, encouraged immigration
· Social structure remained heavily stratified: serfdom; extended privileges for the nobility, Junkers became heart of military; difficult upward mobility for middle class leadership
èCatherine II of Russia (1762-1798) “Catherine the Great” – 1 of greatest rulers in Euro history
· Least “enlightened” of the Enlightened Despots
· westernization: architecture, sculpture, music--supported philosophes
· reforms: reduced torture, limited religious toleration, some education improvement, increased
local control
· Pugachev Rebellion (1773): largest peasant uprising in Russian history;
· Catherine gained support from nobility by granting greater control over serfs: high point for nobles--low point for serfs
· territorial expansion
· Annexed Polish territory: 3 partitions of Poland in 1772, 1793, and 1795
· Gained Ottoman land in the Crimea (controlled by Tartars)
· Began conquest of Caucasus
· In 17th century, effectiveness of Russian monarchs limited by vast Russian territories
Austria
· Maria Theresa (1740-1780): Wars of 1740s led to internal consolidation
· Reduced serfdom (more than any other e. European ruler except her son)
èJoseph II (1765-1790) – greatest of the Enlightened despots (“greatest good for greatest #”)
· Abolished serfdom in 1781, freedom of press, freedom of religion & civic rights, more equitable justice system, made German official language (to assimilate minorities), increased control over Catholic education, expanded state schools, left empire in economic and political turmoil: Leopold I rescind many laws (e.g., serfdom)
France: rise of aristocratic power and liberalism resulted in end of absolutism
Louis XV (1715-1774):
Madame de Pompadour: most famous mistress of the 18th c.
charmed the king and gained decision-making power
Parlement of Paris (partial to nobles) blocked Louis’ absolutist ambitions
Renè de Maupeou: dissolved Parlement of Paris
Louis XVI (1774-1792)
reinstated Parlement of Paris (due to strong public opinion) & dismissed Maupeau
struggle with aristocracy and bourgeoisie resulted in the French Revolution.