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Enlightened despots applied Enlightenment ideas to the government
Supposedly an enlightened despot was a monarch who tried to adapt modern ideas into their rule. But, the term enlightened despot is highly contradictory because enlightened indicated modernization of ideas and change, whereas despot carries the denotation of clinging to tradition and the past. So, essentially the monarchs called themselves enlightened despots to gain public appeal, but they were not enlightened despots- it's impossible to be one. That's be like being a carnivorous vegetarian; laughably impossible.
Catherine the Great of Russia was considered among the so-called "enlightened despots" or enlightened monarchs." During the Age of Enlightenment several monarchs began to realize philosophically that their function was to rule for the the benefit of their subjects as much as for the benefit of themselves. In other words it wasn't just "me, me, me." Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great of Prussia and Joseph II of Austria are the three most notable "enlightened despots."
Catherine the Great of Russia was considered among the so-called "enlightened despots" or enlightened monarchs." During the Age of Enlightenment several monarchs began to realize philosophically that their function was to rule for the the benefit of their subjects as much as for the benefit of themselves. In other words it wasn't just "me, me, me." Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great of Prussia and Joseph II of Austria are the three most notable "enlightened despots."
The reforms of the enlightened despots varied in success. For example, Frederick the Great of Prussia made significant improvements in the economy and legal system, while Catherine the Great of Russia focused on expanding territory and promoting education. Overall, the enlightened despots made some advancements in centralizing power and modernizing their countries, but their reforms were limited by their authoritarian rule.
They were European monarchs who were inspired by Enlightenment ideas to rule justly and respect the rights of subjects.
The enlightenment despots supported the philosophes' ideas. But they also had no intention of giving up any power. The changes they made were motivated by two desires: they wanted to make their countries stronger and their own rule more effective.
The enlightenment despots supported the philosophes' ideas. But they also had no intention of giving up any power. The changes they made were motivated by two desires: they wanted to make their countries stronger and their own rule more effective.
The Enlightened rule, or the Meiji period, was the time in which Prince Mutsuhito took power. His rule began in 1868.
Enlightened Absolutism
Enlightened Rule
Answer 1Also called benevolent despotism, enlightened despotism is a form of government most common in the 18th century in which absolute monarchs pursued legal, social, and educational reforms inspired by the Enlightenment.Answer 2An enlightened despot was a monarch during the 18th century who brought about political, religious, and social reforms that were considered of an enlightened nature. Their reforms benefited both the people and the monarchy.In the end, enlightened despotism can be seen as the final stage of absolute monarchy, but also started a new conception of government power as rule by and under public law. This involved abandoning the idea of rule by "divine right,". When Frederick II referred to himself as merely "the first servant of the state," he understood and foresaw a new concept of government. A government that justified new powers for governments in the name and service of public welfare. It also means thinking in secular terms.