Group Names:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date_____________________________________ Period__________
Royal Report Card
Based on what you have learned of Enlightened Absolutism (also called Enlightened Despotism), you are
going to look at three case studies of European monarchs from the 18th century and grade them
according to how well they embodied Enlightened Absolutism. You must grade them according to the
criteria listed below, and justify that grade with specific historical evidence. After you have graded each
of the monarchs, you will give them a class rank. Each group must turn in one assignment. Please write
the names of your group members in the comments section.
Provided equality before the law for all
people (serfdom)
Were all (or most) people treated equally? Did the ruler abolish serfdom or maintain it?
Protected freedom to practice religion
Were there a variety of religions in the culture?
Protected freedom of speech and press
Protected freedom to assemble
Were the people allowed to protest the decisions of the ruler? Or were they punished?
Protected the right to hold property
Supported the arts and philosophy
Supported the sciences
Funded education
Used reason when ruling (not
arbitrary)
Was the ruler logical and lawful when ruling? Did they rule on a whim or make decisions
based on their mood?
Avoided war and used diplomacy
Applied physiocratic economic policies
Policy based on the theory that wealth of a nation is obtained through agricultural
production. It place emphasis on productive work as the source of national wealth. This is
in contrast to earlier schools, in particular mercantilism, which often focused on the
ruler's wealth and the accumulation of gold through trade.
Outlawed capital punishment
1
Monarch 1: Joseph II of Austria
Important background information:
 Future Holy Roman emperor Joseph II was born in Vienna, Austria, on March
13, 1741.
 He became co-regent with his mother, Maria Theresa, in 1765, and sole ruler in
1780.
 Ruled Austria from 1765-1790
 Technically still called Holy Roman Emperor, although the HRE only controlled
Austrian lands following the Peace of Westphalia.
 During his time in power, Joseph issued decrees that promoted equality and
education, but the speed and scope of his reforms led to problems for him and
his empire.
 Joseph died in Vienna on February 20, 1790, at the age of 48.
Report Card
Criteria
Grade
(A-F)
Justification
Provided
equality before
the law for all
people
(serfdom)
Protected
freedom to
practice religion
Protected
freedom of
speech and
press
Protected
freedom to
assemble
Protected the
right to hold
property
2
Supported the
arts and
philosophy
Supported the
sciences
Funded
education
Used reason
when ruling
(not arbitrary)
Avoided war
and used
diplomacy
Applied
physiocratic
economic
policies
Outlawed
capital
punishment
3
Monarch 2: Frederick II of Prussia
Important background information:
 Also known as Frederick the Great
 Ruled Prussia from 1740-1786, the longest reign of any Hohenzollern King.
 His most significant accomplishments during his reign included his military
victories, his reorganization of Prussian armies, his patronage of the Arts and
the Enlightenment in Prussia, and his final success against great odds in
the Seven Years' War.
 Frederick was the last titled King in Prussia and declared himself King of
Prussia after achieving full sovereignty for all historical Prussian lands.
 Prussia had greatly increased its territories and became a leading military
power in Europe under his rule.
Report Card
Criteria
Grade
(A-F)
Justification
Provided
equality before
the law for all
people
(serfdom)
Protected
freedom to
practice religion
Protected
freedom of
speech and
press
Protected
freedom to
assemble
Protected the
right to hold
property
4
Supported the
arts and
philosophy
Supported the
sciences
Funded
education
Used reason
when ruling
(not arbitrary)
Avoided war
and used
diplomacy
Applied
physiocratic
economic
policies
Outlawed
capital
punishment
5
Monarch 3: Catherine II of Russia
Important background information:
Also called the Catherine the Great
Ruled Russia from 1762-1796
b. 2 May 1729 d.17 November 1796)
Was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia,
reigning from 1762 until her death in 1796 at the age of 67.
 Came to power following a coup d'état when her husband, Peter III, was
assassinated.
 Russia was revitalized under her reign, growing larger and stronger than
ever and becoming recognized as one of the great powers of Europe.




Report Card
Criteria
Grade
(A-F)
Justification
Provided
equality before
the law for all
people
(serfdom)
Protected
freedom to
practice religion
Protected
freedom of
speech and
press
Protected
freedom to
assemble
Protected the
right to hold
property
6
Supported the
arts and
philosophy
Supported the
sciences
Funded
education
Used reason
when ruling
(not arbitrary)
Avoided war
and used
diplomacy
Applied
physiocratic
economic
policies
Outlawed
capital
punishment
7
Class Rank
Now you must evaluate the monarchs strengths and weaknesses and compare them to one another.
Rank the monarchs 1 through 3, with number 1 being the monarch who best achieved Enlightened
Absolutism. Be sure to summarize their strengths and weakness in the overall assessment and
justification of your ranking.
Monarch
Rank
Justification for rank including strengths and weaknesses of the
monarch
Joseph II of Austria
Frederick II of Prussia
Catherine II of Russia
8