Name: _________________________________________
Date: ______________
AIM: What was Enlightened Despotism?
Leader
FEDERICK THE
GREAT
CATHERINE THE
GREAT
JOSEPH II
Country
What they were known for
Traits
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Directions: We are going to create a list below about the characteristics that all of the
Enlightened Despots shared in common. After that is done, we are going to create a
definition for Enlightened Despots together.
Enlightened Despots - Characteristics
Enlightened Despots - Definition
Frederick The Great: Frederick II exerted tight control over his
subjects as the reign of King of Prussia (Germany) from 1749 to
1786. He saw himself as the first servant of the state, his duty to work
for the common good. Frederick the Great was a fan of Voltaire’s
work and was generally an adopter of Enlightenment ideals.
He reduced the use of torture and allowed greater freedom of the
press. Over time he also simplified some of the laws and urged civil
service. Frederick the Great also supported more religious tolerance;
“Everyone can go to heaven in his own fashion.” Despite these
advancements, he still created a stronger central government for
himself.
"My people and I have come to an agreement which satisfies us both. They are to say what
they please, and I am to do what I please."
Catherine the Great: She was the empress of Russia, and also read the works of Voltaire
and Diderot. Catherine was a firm believer in the ideas of equality
and liberty. She began her rule in 1762, and like Frederick II of
Russia, abolished the use of torture and established religious
tolerance.
Catherine II created a new law code that made all Russia citizens
equal in the eyes of the law. She also criticized the system of
serfdom, but in the end expanded Russia’s empire and grew her
own power. She also established many new towns and cities within
Russia.
“I shall be an autocrat (ruler with absolute power): that's my
trade. And the good Lord will forgive me.
Joseph II: In the country of Austria, Joseph II grew up as the son of
Maria Theresa, who helped improve the lives of peasants. Joseph II
was a student of the Enlightenment, and continued his mothers work.
Like his fellow monarchs, he also supported religious equality for all
Jews and Protestants even though Austria was predominantly Catholic.
Joseph II also allowed a free press and tried to bring the Catholic
Church more under his control. He tried to take land away from the
church that wasn’t being used for education or the sick, and got rid of
the practice of serfdom. Many of these reforms was undone after his
death.
“I do not need your consent for doing good.”
Name: _________________________________________
Date: ______________
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Letter to a Despot: Yea or Nay?
Directions: After learning about the various Enlightened Despots, you are going to write a
letter to one of them.
You are a citizen of one of their countries, and you should either be in SUPPORT of what
they have done as a leader, or AGAINST them.
****Think about if you feel they have followed the ideas of the Enlightenment*****
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