Overview
This lecture covers the concept of Enlightened Absolutism in 18th-century Europe, focusing on how monarchs combined absolute power with Enlightenment ideals, using Frederick II of Prussia, Catherine II of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria as key examples.
Enlightened Absolutism Defined
- Enlightened absolutism refers to 18th-century monarchs who kept absolute power but incorporated Enlightenment ideas into governance.
- Many Enlightenment thinkers (philosophes) accepted royal absolutism, believing reform could only be achieved through powerful, enlightened monarchs.
Frederick II of Prussia (Frederick the Great)
- Inherited a strong military and expanded Prussian territory by seizing Silesia, doubling Prussia's population.
- After the Seven Years’ War, shifted from “I am the state” to “I am the first servant of the state.”
- Justified his rule by policies aimed at improving subjects’ lives rather than divine right.
- Introduced greater religious toleration, though favored Protestants in state positions.
- Reformed Prussia's legal code, abolished torture, and simplified laws.
- Adopted cameralism: monarchy should use its power for society’s benefit.
Catherine II of Russia (Catherine the Great)
- Came to power after arranging her husband's (Peter III) assassination.
- Sought to westernize Russia and promoted Enlightenment culture and thinkers such as Voltaire.
- Allowed limited religious toleration and abolished torture.
- Participated in the partition of Poland, expanding Russia’s territory.
- The Pugachev Rebellion ended her attempts to reform serfdom, leading to increased oppression of serfs.
Joseph II of Austria
- Enacted rapid reforms without consultation, causing unrest.
- Issued Edicts of Toleration, expanding religious freedom for Jews and other minorities.
- Increased freedom of the press and limited the Catholic Church’s power.
Religious Toleration and the Jews
- Jewish communities remained marginalized, but the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah) called for full tolerance.
- Joseph II allowed Jews military service, education access, and removed discriminatory clothing laws.
- Frederick and Catherine did not ease anti-Jewish laws; Catherine confined Jews to a special district after acquiring Polish territories.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Enlightened Absolutism — Form of monarchy where rulers use Enlightenment ideas while holding absolute power.
- Philosophes — Enlightenment thinkers who advocated for reason and reform.
- Cameralism — Belief in strong, centralized monarchy using power for societal improvement.
- Edicts of Toleration — Laws granting religious freedoms to minorities.
- Haskalah — Jewish Enlightenment movement promoting integration and tolerance.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review unit materials for upcoming exams.
- Study the roles and reforms of Frederick II, Catherine II, and Joseph II for class assessments.