18thcpol

18th C. - "enlightened" monarchies

European monarchs adopt ideas of the Enlightenment

Catherine II (Russia), Frederick II (Prussia) & Joseph II (Austria) are "enlightened" monarchs

monarchs are self-interested: military & economic power in Europe

7-Years war creates tension, need for preparedness

"enlightened" applications in central Europe

Policies reflect economic centralization, political & social concepts of the Enlightenment

Prussia & Austria: religious toleration (Jews & Catholics allowed), legal reform

Prussia: Frederick: as "servant of the state", Austria: centralization

Austria: medieval serf-landlord rules abolished, attempts to tax nobility are unsuccessful

Russia under
Catherine the Great

Catherine emerges power vacuum after the assassination of her husband

oriented towards w. Europe & Enlightened ideas: sought continuation of Peter’s agenda

tradition of autocracy remains strong under Catherine (& others in Europe)

attempts to enhance Russia’s trade, growth of commercial class

the Pugachev Rebellion & French Rev. lead to repression in Russia by 1780’s

18th C. - Poland

Late 18th C: Polish state loses power: partitioned by Russia, Austria, Prussia

French Revolution spurs harsh centralized control - monarchs fear distribution of power

Discussion questions

Why did the philosophes reconcile their ideas with absolute monarchy?

How, specifically, did the Enlightenment impact upon central & eastern Europe?

How were the economic, social & political ideas of the Enlightenment connected in Prussia & Austria?

What is the stronger legacy of the 18th. C- absolutism or enlightenment?