Enlightened Despots Flashcards
Who were considered to be Enlightened Despots?
Monarchs who accepted Enlightenment ideas and used their power to reform society.
Explain why Maria Theresa was considered to be an Enlightened Despot?
Austrian ruler who implemented reforms in the 1700s. She improved the tax system by forcing nobles and the clergy to pay taxes, which eased the tax burden on peasants. Maria also embraced educational reform and made primary education available to children in her kingdom.
Explain why Joseph II was considered to be an Enlightened Despot?
The son of Maria Theresa, Joseph II continued and expanded many of his mother’s reforms. Joseph modernized Austria’s government, chose officials for their talents rather than because of their status, and implemented legal reforms. He practiced religious toleration, ended censorship, and abolished serfdom. Many of his reforms were later overturned.
Explain why Catherine the Great was considered to be an Enlightened Despot?
Catherine II (aka The Great) was the empress of Russia in 1762. She asked for the advice of nobles, free peasants, and townspeople when making decisions. Never before had Russian citizens been allowed to advise the government. Catherine also built schools and hospitals, promoted the education of women, and extended religious tolerance. Many of her reforms were short-lived however, and later in her reign Catherine grew more repressive after peasant uprisings.
Explain how the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment led to the birth of democratic governments.
The sense of individualism inspired by the Enlightenment along with challenges to traditional authority became important in the growth of democracy. Nationalism also developed as people in a country grew together to fight for a democratic government, developing strong feelings of nationalism in the process. In the late 1700s, Enlightenment ideas would contribute to an age of revolution.
