The late eighteenth century was a time when many rulers embraced enlightenment ideals and thus became known as enlightened despots. However, rulers embraced these ideals to different extents. Here is a comparison of the 4 most well known enlightened despots and to what extent they allowed enlightenment ideals to influence their rule.
Catherine the Great: Least Enlightened
Educated on the works of the philosophes
Wanted to reform Russia but not alienate the nobility while doing so
Strengthened the power of the nobility by allowing them to appoint provincial leaders
Exempt nobility from some forms of taxes
Peasant revolt from her favor of the nobility
Frederick II: Somewhat Enlightened
Followed some enlightenment values in his rule
Eliminated torture for prisoners and allowed for freedom of speech
Didn’t abolish serfdom because it was so vital to the societal hierarchy
Reserved higher governmental positions for nobles and their families
Joseph II: More Enlightened
Restricted the power of the Catholic Church
Got rid of serfdom and gave more rights to peasants
Got rid of the death penalty
Religious toleration
King Gustavus III: Most Enlightened
One of the most enlightened monarchs
Allowed for freedom of speech, religion, and the press
Promoted a laissez faire economy
Reduced tariffs and tolls
Encouraged trade and agriculture
Assassinated by a group of nobles who didn’t like how they had lost so much power
