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Questions and Answers
What was the primary motivation behind Joseph II's introduction of policies allowing for tolerance of religions other than Catholicism?
What was the primary motivation behind Joseph II's introduction of policies allowing for tolerance of religions other than Catholicism?
What was the result of Joseph II's educational reforms?
What was the result of Joseph II's educational reforms?
Why did Joseph II acquire the best instructors for the University of Vienna?
Why did Joseph II acquire the best instructors for the University of Vienna?
What was Joseph II's approach to justifying his policies?
What was Joseph II's approach to justifying his policies?
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What was the primary goal of Joseph II's policies regarding the ruling class?
What was the primary goal of Joseph II's policies regarding the ruling class?
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What was the status of the people before Joseph II's reforms?
What was the status of the people before Joseph II's reforms?
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What was the relationship between the monarchy and the Catholic Church before Joseph II's reforms?
What was the relationship between the monarchy and the Catholic Church before Joseph II's reforms?
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What was the outcome of Joseph II's policies, according to his assumption?
What was the outcome of Joseph II's policies, according to his assumption?
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What was the context of Joseph II's introduction of tolerant policies towards religions other than Catholicism?
What was the context of Joseph II's introduction of tolerant policies towards religions other than Catholicism?
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How did Joseph II's policies differ from those of Frederick II?
How did Joseph II's policies differ from those of Frederick II?
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Study Notes
Enlightened Absolutism
- Definition: A method of ruling in which an absolutist monarch uses their powers to establish enlightened policies, claiming to rule in the best interests of their subjects.
- Combination of two opposing ideologies: Absolutism (monarch has absolute control) and Enlightenment (individual rights and government's responsibility to protect them).
Characteristics of Enlightened Absolutism
- Commitment to supporting the arts
- Expanding access to education for the public
- Absolute power of the monarchy
- Granting freedom of speech
Examples of Enlightened Absolutists
- Catherine II (Catherine the Great) of Russia (1762-1796)
- Reformed cultural development, art, music, and architecture
- Supported scientific researchers and philosophers
- Modernized Russia's infrastructure and urban cities
- Created an educational institution for women
- Frederick II (Frederick the Great) of Prussia (1740-1786)
- Made limited reforms, including policies for free expression of ideas
- Opened public offices to non-noble individuals
- Removed some middle-class privileges
- Retained policies punishing certain ideas or religious affiliations
- Joseph II of the Holy Roman Empire (1765-1790)
- Introduced policies for religious tolerance
- Implemented educational reforms for greater access to education
- Attempted to remove ruling class privileges
- Wrote essays to justify his policies
- Louis XV of France (failed to create enlightened policies)
- Allowed Voltaire to live and express ideas in France
- Did not create policies supporting his citizens' rights
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Description
Learn about the concept of enlightened absolutism, a system of government where an absolute monarch implements policies for the greater good of their subjects.