Three of the 18th century rulers seemed to be interested in enlightened reforms. However all three monarchs (Catherine the Great, Maria Theresa, and Frederick the Great) seemed to only like to talk about these reforms. Then there was one ruler who attempted to make enlightened reforms, however Joseph III's reform plan was a complete failure. The rulers were aiming towards expanding their own territories and the well being of their own state, therefore this might have called for a war between two states, such as, Prussia and Austria. Therefore, a state would be investing more in the army rather than in the educational system, collecting more taxes to wage war and gain more power. Although enlightened reforms condemned wars as a foolish act, the monarch of the 18th led costly battles against each other. The rulers were governed by their own selfish and self-interest desires, which were practically to gain more power and prestige.
Enlightenment ideas affected rulers in Europe from overthrown power and reflected problems that they needed to change.
The rulers of Prussia and Austria responded to the Enlightenment by attacking and invading France. The Enlightenment was the major revolution in human thought.
Enlightened despotism is a form of absolute monarchy or despotism in which rulers were influenced by the Enlightenment. The primary enlightenment idea undermined is democracy. Such as Catherine the Great and Napolean.
Enlightenment ideas affected rulers in Europe from overthrown power and reflected problems that they needed to change.
"We Welcome Gods and Rulers."
They were European monarchs who were inspired by Enlightenment ideas to rule justly and respect the rights of subjects.
The Enlightenment encouraged Europe's rulers to adopt more progressive and rational governing practices, embracing ideas such as individual rights, freedom of speech, and limited government. Some rulers implemented reforms based on Enlightenment principles to enhance their legitimacy and promote economic growth. However, not all rulers embraced these ideas, leading to tensions and conflicts between enlightened thinkers and autocratic rulers.
The Enlightened Despots were rulers that used the principles of popular enlightenment figures in their everyday ruling. The 3 Enlightened Despots were Joseph II, of Austria, Catherine the Great, of Russia, and Frederick the Great, ruler of Prussia. These 3 rulers made laws to benefit the people of their countries. Some laws passed by these rulers included: The abolishment of serfdom Reduction of censorship Freedom of the press Religious Toleration
It affected from overthrown powers. They were known as Enlightened despots.
The Enlightenment encouraged the people to become more educated and to question their treatment and the governing styles that they were ruled under. By discouraging the Enlightenment ideals - the rulers were able to maintain rule as they saw fit more readily. Also take into account that the Enlightenment overlapped the French Revolution which led to a great many leaders being beheaded as a way to change the governing style that the people did not appreciate. Bentley, J., & Ziegler, H. (2007). Traditions & Encounters, Volume 2 From 1500 to the Present. New York City: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages.
Rulers embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment to strengthen their power and legitimacy by promoting progressive reforms in governance, economy, and society. They also saw the potential benefits of enlightenment ideas in improving administration, increasing wealth, and enhancing their standing both domestically and internationally. Embracing Enlightenment ideas allowed rulers to modernize their countries and maintain their authority in the face of growing demands for change.
Rulers would feel ambivalent about the Enlightenment because it promoted ideas of freedom, individual rights, and limited government, which could challenge their absolute power and authority. On the other hand, the Enlightenment also produced ideas that could benefit rulers, such as promoting reason, education, and efficiency in government.