ENLIGHTENED DESPOTISM

Nota:

• New form of government that developed in some European countries in the 18th C.  It combined ABSOLUTE MONARCHY with ENLIGHTENED IDEAS.

1. EXAMPLES

   Nota:

   • These monarchs implemented various enlightened reforms, e.g. 1. unification of the legal system 2. modernisation of the army. 3. promotion of agriculture, industry, education and culture.
   1. Catherine the Great of RUSSIA
   2. Joseph II of AUSTRIA
   3. Frederick II of PRUSIA
   4. Carlos III of SPAIN (1759-1788)
2. CHARACTERISTICS

   Nota:

   • Enlightened despots wanted to modernise the country and improve subjects' quality of life.
   1. Created CENTRALISED GOVERNMENTS

      Nota:

      • Centralised governments were created to consolidate their power and implement their policies.
   2. Appointed ENLIGHTENED THINKERS as MINISTERS

      Nota:

      • To promote reform, enlighted thinkers were appointed to important positions, e.g. as ministers.
   3. Tried to make changes PEACEFULLY

      Nota:

      • Changes were mostly carrled out through education and new laws.
3. DID NOT SUCCEED