Section 3: Enlightened Despots & Social Impacts

Catherine the Great

Empress (Tsarina) of Russia who ruled using Enlightenment ideas while keeping absolute power.

Enlightened Despot

An absolute monarch who uses Enlightenment ideas to strengthen their power and improve their image.

Catherine’s Reforms

Built schools for wealthy girls, promoted Westernization, and supported limited education reforms.

Westernization

Making Russia more like Western Europe in culture, politics, and geography.

Catherine’s Wars

Expanded Russia by defeating the Ottoman Empire and conquering parts of Poland.

Limits of Enlightened Despots

Used Enlightenment ideas for popularity but didn’t give real political power to citizens.

Gender (Social Construct)

The roles and expectations society assigns based on sex; affects identity and behavior.

Catherine’s Gender Strategy

Balanced intelligence and “performative masculinity” to gain respect in a male

Enlightenment Impact on Women

Sparked early ideas of feminism and calls for women’s education and equality.

Feminism

The belief that women deserve equal rights, education, and opportunities as men.

Social Impact of Enlightenment

Encouraged debate about freedom, equality, and human rights for different groups in society.