Essay On Enlightened Despots

The Age of Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that took place in Europe in the 18th century. Within this period, reformers, known as philosophes, looked to revolutionize society in aspects relating to freedom, religious tolerance, reason, and rationality. The absolute rulers in this society, who provided these revisions to the populace, were referred to as enlightened despots. These individuals used their power for the betterment of their own country, in hopes to maximize their population’s strength and centralize the public. Their belief was that government exists to protect man’s natural rights, which include freedom of speech, right to assemble, hold property, and pursue happiness. Separation of power in government was necessary

to keep each pillar of society balanced, and to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. These enlightened despots reflected the principles of Enlightenment, yet still managed to exhibit the ideas of despotism by pursuing legal, social, and educational reforms that would ultimately bring prosperity. The pivotal figures that played a major role in the enlightenment of their country include Frederick II of Prussia, Catherine II of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria.
Frederick II, who ruled Prussia for over forty years, exercised the Platonic ideal of a philosophic-king with his enthusiasm for the arts and sciences. Frederick, like other enlightened despots, hoped to expand his country’s borders by engaging in multiple wars. For instance, once Frederick took the throne, he immediately attacked Austria, and gained their city of Silesia. His contributions to the army of Prussia made him known as a military genius, and he later took the title of “Frederick the Great.” Frederick was also involved in the Seven Years’ War because of his reluctance to give up Silesia. Frederick’s ideas of building up an army and using it to expand Prussia goes back to one of the key principles of an enlightened despot. Frederick did what was best for his country. In his case, expanding Prussia was exactly what was needed to be done so the country could thrive. Frederick not only enlarged his ruling territory, but he created a bureaucracy, enacted protective tariffs, argued for a uniform national criminal code, and supported a moderate level of religious toleration. Frederick’s long reign successfully unified Enlightenment rationalism, as well as stressing the importance of military tradition.
Another pivotal Enlightened despot is Catherine II.

Catherine was the longest-lasting female ruler of Russia. In her efforts towards making Russia more enlightened, Catherine stressed religious tolerance and abolished torture and capital punishment. As an individual, she was very well acquainted with Enlightenment ideas, so much so that she financially supported writers who were expressing their own interpretations of the Enlightenment. Catherine also hoped that ideas and reforms regarding the Enlightenment would help make Russia an overall stronger, more prosperous country. Being a female, Catherine understood the importance of women finding their role in society and formed the first school for women. Even with her attributes to Russia, she did very little for the peasants at the time. Catherine did, however, greatened the laws and rules on the serfs, and even went to the lengths of imprisoning critics who spoke negatively about serfs. She also emphasized to her country the importance of expansion, leading Russia into fighting two victorious wars with the Ottoman Turks. Catherine’s accomplishments of her country increasing in size, just as Frederick had executed in Prussia, reflects the concept of despots doing anything they can to better their own country. Catherine certainly applied enlightened despotism to Russia by bringing it to its prime and giving the people of a true sense of Enlightened

monarchy.