Enlightened Despotism Research Paper

The Enlightenment was one of the greatest movements of human history. It brought on an era of intelligence, rationalism, and human rights. It gave birth to many ideologies, mainly proposed by the philosophes of the time, which had a tremendous impact on society today. Enlightened despotism was perhaps one of the most prevalent ideologies to arise during this era. It was primarily formulated by Voltaire, who explained that optimum societal progress would be achieved through the presence of an enlightened monarchy (Cranston). Although the existence of Enlightened despotism is still debated by modern historians, there are numerous reasons as to why Enlightened despots were truly enlightened. They implemented several fundamental reforms such

The enlightened monarchs of the time supplemented cultural freedom into their reformations. Among them , Frederick the Great of Prussia was one of the greatest proponents of cultural freedom. Frederick was a massive supporter of the arts and spent a huge sum of money on maintaining and promoting the arts in Prussia. He was a devout humanist who spent the majority of his early reign promoting and participating in “ballets, symphonic assemblies, and opera companies” (Keithley 1). The monarch surrounded himself with “artists, writers, and musicians” (Keithley 1). Frederick’s actions evidently display his appreciation for philology, which was a primary characteristic of the Enlightenment era. Furthermore, Frederick reestablished the Academy of Sciences in 1744, by providing the institution with funding. Many of the most influential philosophers, including Immanuel Kant, studied their philosophical theories in the Academy. The inducement of his advanced thinking was a result of his association with various widely influential enlightenment philosophes such as Voltaire. Frederick the Great was known to own and operate on of the most renowned salons of the time. Moreover, he also granted freedom of the press, which was a considerable achievement in the environment of that time. Frederick the Great embodied

The Enlightened monarchs strongly promoted the religious tolerance of all people. Through his vigorous religious reforms, Joseph II of the Austrian Habsburg Empire, was perhaps the strongest apostle of religious leniency. After much disagreement over the matter with his mother, Maria Theresa the Empress of Austria, Joseph released the Edict of Toleration. The Edict of Toleration or Toleration Patent was an act which allowed the people of Austria to express and practice their religion without discrimination. Joseph II convinced Maria Theresa to allow this law to pass by explaining that he “would employ any person, without distinction of religion, (...) allow them to own property, practice trades, be citizens, if they were qualified and if this would be of advantage to the State and its industry” (Joseph II). Joseph freeing the people from acts of discrimination as a result of religion, illustrates his enlightened thinking, and how deeply he cared about the people he ruled over. He also demonstrates the theory of meritocracy which states that people should be selected for jobs or positions in society as a result of their individual abilities instead of social status. Meritocracy was another newfangled aspect of the enlightenment movement. Joseph’s use of this philosophical theory provides further proof of his enlightened rule. In addition to allowing