Summary of "Enlightened Absolutism (Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, Joseph II)"

Main Ideas and Concepts

Enlightened Absolutism Defined Enlightened Absolutism refers to 18th-century monarchs who sought to apply Enlightenment principles—such as religious toleration, freedom of expression, and institutional reform—to their governance, while maintaining absolute power. This approach was supported by many Enlightenment philosophers (philosophes) like Voltaire, Diderot, and Kant, who believed that change would come from strong, enlightened rulers rather than from the masses.
Philosophical Foundation Enlightenment thinkers favored a top-down approach to reform, envisioning a "philosopher king" who would use absolute authority to modernize society. However, this often involved elitist attitudes, as exemplified by Frederick the Great’s view that the common people and much of the nobility were incapable of enlightenment on their own.
Key Features of Enlightened Absolutism (Acronym: TRAP)
- Toleration: Promoting religious tolerance, especially for minorities.
- Reform: Attempting to reform political, social, and administrative institutions.
- Absolutism: Maintaining absolute monarchical power despite reforms.
- Patronage: Supporting and fostering relationships with Enlightenment philosophers.

Profiles of Major Enlightened Absolutists

1. Frederick the Great of Prussia

Considered the most successful enlightened absolutist.
Saw himself as the "first servant of the state," emphasizing the welfare of his subjects over mere power.
Opposed Machiavellian ruthless politics; promoted meritocracy in civil service, introducing early civil service exams.
Strong patron of Voltaire, though their relationship soured due to Frederick’s traditional absolutist tendencies.
Promoted scientific advancement and agriculture (e.g., introduction of potatoes).
Practiced religious toleration but favored Protestants for key posts.
Maintained a militaristic state, which conflicted with Enlightenment ideals.
Not fully enlightened due to his emphasis on militarism.

2. Catherine the Great of Russia

Came to power after the suspicious death of her husband, likely involving her in a coup.
Less ambitious in reform due to dependence on the nobility.
Strong patron of philosophes, notably Diderot (hired him as librarian and bought his library) and corresponded with Voltaire.
Skilled at using flattery and PR to maintain support among Enlightenment thinkers.
Faced Pugachev’s Rebellion, which she crushed harshly, demonstrating her absolutist approach.
Did not abolish serfdom or enact significant legal reforms.
Known more for patronage than for substantive reform.
Myth about her death involving a horse is false.

3. Joseph II of Austria

The most radical but least effective enlightened absolutist.
Ruled jointly with his mother Maria Theresa for 15 years, then alone for 10 years.
Famous for religious toleration, including allowing private Jewish worship.
Attempted to centralize administration over a multiethnic empire, which caused resistance from local nobles.
Abolished serfdom as a legal institution and granted peasants more rights, a significant reform.
His reforms were reversed after his death due to noble opposition.
Acknowledged his failures, reportedly wishing his epitaph to read "Here lies Joseph II who failed in all he undertook."

Summary of Lessons and Insights

Enlightened Absolutism was a complex blend of reform and absolutism, with monarchs selectively applying Enlightenment ideas while preserving their power.

The success of Enlightened Absolutism varied widely depending on the ruler’s ambition, political context, and ability to manage resistance from traditional elites.

The relationship between monarchs and philosophes was often mutually beneficial but could be strained by political realities.

Reform efforts often faced significant pushback from entrenched interests like the nobility and the church.

Enlightened Absolutism highlights the tension between ideals of progress and the realities of maintaining absolute rule.

Methodology / Acronym for Enlightened Absolutism (TRAP)

Toleration: Promote religious freedom and tolerance for minorities.
Reform: Implement changes in political, social, and administrative institutions to modernize the state.
Absolutism: Maintain centralized, absolute monarchical power despite reforms.
Patronage: Support and engage with Enlightenment philosophers to legitimize and guide reforms.

Speakers/Sources Featured

Primary Speaker: Unnamed YouTube educator/historian (likely the channel owner or presenter).
Philosophes: Voltaire, Diderot, Kant (mentioned as influential thinkers).