Enlightened Despotism during the 18th Century in Austria, Prussia and Russia

Enlightened Despotism was the form of organization adopted by secure monarchs who were influenced by the Enlightenment, mostly in important and Eastern europiuman powers, during the 18 and 19 centuries. Their reigns were marked by a superior general modernization of their countries economical, social and military polices and also by an overall rationalization of the entire ruling organisation, not only that of the baron but the entire governing apparatus.

The main reason for the slip-up in policy from a form of absolute government to a enlightened absolutism (despotism), which consisted of the modernization of the economy, the military, the legislative system and stretched as far as the acceptance of new ideas round the social contract and even war itself; emerged in Central and Eastern Europe mainly due to the advances made by: France, Spain, Portugal, England and Holland in acquiring colonies in Africa, Asia and especially the Americas. These Western European countries were forced to look for a new link to the farthermost East for their trading and natural resources after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453. In bless not be overtaken by the pelagic powers; both economically and military, the interior powers of Central and Eastern Europe had to modernize.



Therefore monarchs ruled with the intent of improving the lives of their subjects, centralize and mend decision making and increase production in order to strengthen and reinforce their authority and the power of their kingdoms.

The three heavily weights that supported this form of government were Catherine II of Russia, Frederick II of Prussia and Joseph II of the Holy Roman Empire. Although their polices varied somewhat; for example Josephs broad(prenominal) acceptance of Rousseaus social contract was dismissed by Catherine which consider to base her government more on Montesquieu; and so see the Russian law system; their...

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