Scribd
Upload
1K views2 pages

Enlightened Despotism Outline

This document outlines characteristics of enlightened despots and evaluates three historical rulers based on those characteristics. It defines enlightened despots as 18th century rulers who governed according to Enlightenment philosophy and respected things like religious tolerance, freedom of speech and press, and private property rights. The document then evaluates how well three rulers - Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria - fit the definition of an enlightened despot based on their policies. It finds that Frederick the Great was largely an enlightened despot, while Catherine the Great only somewhat fits the definition, and Joseph II is a moderate case.

Uploaded by

zoey0990
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views2 pages

Enlightened Despotism Outline

This document outlines characteristics of enlightened despots and evaluates three historical rulers based on those characteristics. It defines enlightened despots as 18th century rulers who governed according to Enlightenment philosophy and respected things like religious tolerance, freedom of speech and press, and private property rights. The document then evaluates how well three rulers - Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria - fit the definition of an enlightened despot based on their policies. It finds that Frederick the Great was largely an enlightened despot, while Catherine the Great only somewhat fits the definition, and Joseph II is a moderate case.

Uploaded by

zoey0990
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Dana Hartlein AP Euro Period 6 Outline I. Introduction a.

Define enlightened despots: Emerging in late eighteenth century, a new type of ruler was introduce to Europe; the enlightened despot. Known for ruling their countries according to the teachings of enlightened philosophers, these despots held many evident characteristics. b. Characteristics of enlightened despots: To be defined as an enlightened despot, a ruler must allow the natural rights of religious toleration, freedom of speech and press, and a right to private property. They also must encourage the arts, sciences, and education, and must obey the countries laws and enforce them fairly upon all subjects. c. Thesis: To a great, moderate, or little extent, enlightened despotism is appropriate when describing the reigns of Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, and Joseph II. II. Body paragraph 1: Frederick the Great a. Topic Sentence: An enlightened despot is, to a great extent, a suitable title for Prussias ruler Frederick the Great. b. Positive examples: i. Frederick the Great was an educated and cultured monarch, who encouraged the arts, sciences, and education. ii. Frederick, believing in first servant of the state was a conscientious ruler who enforced his laws fairly and obeyed them himself. iii. Frederick granted limited freedom of speech and press iv. The King of Prussia also granted complete religious toleration c. Negative examples: i. Frederick was too dependent on his nobility to allow a right to private property, and did not enforce the condemnation of serfdom. III. Body Paragraph II: Catherine the Great a. Topic Sentence: Although Catherine the Great was eager to pursue reform based on enlightened ideas, to a little extent the term enlightened despot is appropriate when describing her reign in Russia. b. Positive examples: i. Catherine was intelligent, and encouraged education. c. Negative examples: i. Catherine questioned serfdom, torture, and capital punishment, all which fall under enforcing laws fairly, but produced little real change. ii. Catherine failed to encourage the arts and sciences iii. The ruler of Russia did not grant religious toleration or freedom of press and speech to her subjects

iv. Catherine failed to grant the right to private property, and strengthened the landholding class at the expense of the serfs. IV. Body Paragraph III: Joseph II a. Topic sentence: To a moderate extent did Joseph II of Austria prove to be an enlightened despot during his reign. b. Positive examples: i. Joseph believed in transforming Austria through reason and philosophy, enforcing laws fairly and obeying those laws. ii. Joseph II abolished serfdom, allowing all subjects right to private property. iii. The ruler of Austria granted complete religious toleration c. Negative examples: i. Joseph II failed to allow freedom of press and speech ii. He ruler of Austria never fully encouraged the arts, sciences or education upon his subjects.

You might also like