HY 106 Lecture Notes - Lecture 26: Barter, Yemelyan Pugachev, Enlightened Absolutism
The Enlightenment and Absolutism
1. Introduction
1. The philosophes believed that a benevolent absolutism offered the best
opportunities for improving society
2. Necessary to educate and īenlightenī the monarch, who could then make
good laws and promote human happiness (enlightened absolutism)
3. Enlightenment thinkers turned toward rulers because rulers seemed to be
listening, treating them with respect, and seeking their advice
4. The philosophes distrusted īthe peopleī and believe they were deluded by
superstitions
2. Frederick the Great of Prussia
1. Frederick II used the War of the Austrian Succession to expand Prussia into
a great power by seizing Silesia from Austrian ruler Maria Theresa
2. The Seven Yearsā War saw a failed attempt by Maria Theresa, with the help
of France and Russia, to regain Silesia
3. The Seven Yearsā War brought Frederick to consider how more humane
policies for his subjects might also strengthen his state
1. Allowed freedom in religious and philosophical matters
2. Promoted education: advancement of knowledge, improvement of his
countryās schools, allowance of scholars to publish their findings
3. Legal reform: laws were simplified, torture of prisoners was abolished,
judges decided cases quickly and impartially, Prussian officials became
famous for their hard work and honesty
4. Economic growth: promoted the reconstruction of agriculture and
industry
4. Frederickās dedication to high-minded government did not extend to the
conditions of the serfs and oppressed Jews
3. Catherine the Great of Russia
1. Catherine set out to rule in an enlightened manner; she had three goals:
1. Tried to bring the sophisticated culture of western Europe to Russia:
imported Western culture to Russia (people and art) and patronized the
philosophes
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