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Form of government in the 18th century
- enlightened despotism, form of government in the 18th century in which absolute monarchs pursued legal, social, and educational reforms inspired by the Enlightenment.
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Enlightened despotism was a form of government in the 18th century when absolute monarchs adopted reforms inspired by the Enlightenment. Learn about its definition, examples, facts, and contrast with absolutism.
Enlightened absolutism, also called enlightened despotism, refers to the conduct and policies of European absolute monarchs during the 18th and early 19th centuries who were influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment, espousing them to enhance their power.
Learning Objective. Define enlightened despotism and provide examples. Key Points. Enlightened despots held that royal power emanated not from divine right but from a social contract whereby a despot was entrusted with the power to govern in lieu of any other governments.
Enlightened despotism was a term coined by French thinkers to describe the kind of government they wanted to break through the old laws and habits that maintained a society of privilege and inefficiency. It referred to the policies of some monarchs in the eighteenth century who promoted religious tolerance, civil rights, economic reforms, and bureaucratic efficiency.
May 10, 2021 · Enlightened despots were monarchs who ruled in the 18th and 19th centuries and embraced some aspects of the Enlightenment, such as rationalism and tolerance. Learn about the lives and achievements of four famous enlightened despots: Frederick the Great, Catherine the Great, Maria Theresa, and Selim III.
Dec 16, 2009 · Enlightenment was a movement of rational change and progress in Europe during the 18th century. It produced enlightened despots like Frederick the Great and enlightened revolutionaries like Jefferson and Paine.
Nov 21, 2023 · Enlightened despots were 18th-century European rulers who combined absolute power with Enlightenment ideals. Learn about their characteristics, reforms, and legacy in this lesson.
