World History 10: Enlightened Absolutism
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Questions and Answers

What characterizes Enlightened Absolutism?

  • Monarchs applying Enlightenment ideals while keeping absolute authority (correct)
  • Socialism in governance
  • Total disregard for Enlightenment principles
  • Complete democratic governance

Who were some key rulers of Enlightened Absolutism?

Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, Austrian Habsburgs

What were some enlightened policies implemented by Frederick the Great?

Freedom of religion, simplification of laws, improvements in education

Catherine the Great was known for supporting serfdom in Russia.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were Catherine the Great's three main goals?

<p>Westernization of Russia (C), Domestic reform (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What reforms did Maria Theresa introduce following the War of Austrian Succession?

<p>Curbing papacy influence, strengthening bureaucracy, improving agriculture</p> Signup and view all the answers

Joseph II abolished serfdom and was widely accepted by both nobility and peasants.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legacy did Enlightened Absolutism leave regarding social justice?

<p>Failure to abolish serfdom and support from philosophes for oppressive policies</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Enlightened Absolutism

Monarch's use of Enlightenment ideals while maintaining absolute power.

Frederick the Great's Policies

Encouraged religious freedom, improved education, and reformed the legal system, but maintained serfdom.

Catherine the Great's Westernization

Inviting Western architects and thinkers to modernize Russia.

Catherine the Great's Domestic Reforms

Limited torture, religious freedom and improved education and stronger local governance in Russia.

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Maria Theresa's Reforms

Reduced papal influence, centralized bureaucracy, and improved conditions for peasants in Austria.

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Joseph II's Serfdom Reforms

Abolished serfdom, but faced backlash from nobles and peasants in Austria.

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Enlightened Absolutism's Shortcomings

Failure to abolish serfdom despite adopting Enlightenment ideals.

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Enlightenment Philosophers' Oversights

Some Enlightenment philosophers overlooked the oppressive policies of eastern absolutists.

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Study Notes

Enlightened Absolutism

  • Monarchs adopted Enlightenment ideals while maintaining absolute power.
  • Key figures include Frederick the Great (Prussia), Catherine the Great (Russia), and the Austrian Habsburgs (Austria).

Frederick the Great

  • Prussian ruler in the 18th century known for military successes.
  • Key conflicts:
    • European War of Austrian Succession: expanded territory by taking Silesia and doubling population.
    • Seven Years' War: successfully defended against Austria and France.
  • Instituted enlightened policies post-war:
    • Encouraged freedom of religion and philosophical thought.
    • Advanced education and improved schools; welcomed scholarly publications.
    • Simplified laws, eliminated torture, and ensured fair judicial processes.
    • Promoted agricultural and industrial reconstruction.
  • Maintained absolutism:
    • Continued serfdom and didn't emancipate serfs on his estates.
    • Privileged the nobility, crucial for the military's support.
    • Imposed restrictions on Jews, relegating them to ghettos and limiting their rights.

Catherine the Great

  • Ascended to the throne at 15 after overthrowing Peter III.
  • Goals included:
    • Westernization of Russia: invited western architects and collaborated with Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire.
    • Domestic reforms: restricted torture, allowed limited religious freedom, improved education, and strengthened local governance.
    • Territorial expansion: partitioned Poland among Russia, Prussia, and Austria after military successes.
  • Absolute rule characterized by oppressive serfdom:
    • Pugachev's Rebellion led to intensified control over serfs.
    • Nobility received extensive privileges, exempting them from taxes and state service.

Austrian Habsburgs

  • Maria Theresa aimed to strengthen the state post-War of Austrian Succession, focusing on:
    • Reducing papal political influence through legislative measures.
    • Administrative reforms to enhance the central bureaucracy and tax efficiency.
    • Improving conditions for the agricultural population by limiting lord control over serfs.
  • Joseph II:
    • Abolished serfdom and mandated cash payment for peasant labor.
    • Reforms faced backlash from both nobility and peasants due to lack of cash resources.

Legacy of Enlightened Absolutism

  • Rulers blended traditional state-building with Enlightenment culture and thought.
  • Failure to abolish serfdom highlights shortcomings in Enlightenment ideals concerning equality and social justice.
  • Several Enlightenment philosophers overlooked the oppressive policies of eastern absolutists, revealing a gap in contemporary critical thinking.

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Description

Explore the concept of Enlightened Absolutism and its key figures in this quiz. Learn about monarchs who embraced Enlightenment ideals while maintaining their absolute power, such as Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great. Test your knowledge with flashcards that cover essential terms and definitions.

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