The Age of Enlightened Despots: Reform and Reaction

The Age of Enlightened Despotism was a period in European history during the 18th century when absolute monarchs, inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, sought to combine their centralized power with reforms aimed at improving the welfare of their subjects. These rulers, often referred to as "enlightened despots," were influenced by the rationalist philosophy that emphasized reason, science, and progress. However, they did not embrace the democratic principles of the Enlightenment, opting instead to preserve their absolute authority while implementing select reforms to improve governance, society, and the economy.

At the heart of enlightened despotism was the belief that monarchs could act as benevolent rulers who used their absolute power to guide their countries towards prosperity and progress. These monarchs saw themselves as enlightened figures, tasked with leading their nations in line with the principles of the Enlightenment but without relinquishing control over the state. In contrast to traditional autocratic rulers, enlightened despots were often receptive to new ideas about governance, education, legal systems, and the treatment of their subjects. They embraced reforms that were designed to modernize their societies, often implementing policies that reflected Enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau.

Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria were the most prominent examples of enlightened despots. Each of these rulers used their power to implement a range of reforms. Frederick, for instance, was known for his military prowess and his efforts to modernize the Prussian state, introducing reforms that improved the legal system, promoted education, and supported religious tolerance.