Essay On Enlightened Despots

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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 …show more content…

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

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