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Enlightened Absolutism
Absolutism
A political system in which a ruler holds total power
Enlightened monarchs
18th Century monarchs who introduced (or attempted to introduce) reforms to better society (freedom of speech, the press, religious toleration, education, laws)
despot
a term for a ruler with absolute power
Enlightened Absolutism
Rulers who tried to govern by Enlightenment principles while maintaining their royal powers.
Frederick II
AKA "the Great" Ruler of Prussia, aggressive in foreign affairs. Used military to increase power. Encouraged religious tolerance and legal reform.
Maria Theresa
Austrian ruler during age of Enlightenment. attacked early in their reign by Prussian ruler.
Joseph II
Enlightened despot who ruled over the Austrian Empire. Failed in reform attempts because of resistance by Nobles.
Edict of Toleration
issued by Joseph II, which extended religious toleration to protestants and Jews in Austria
religious tolerance
Willingness to let others practice their own beliefs
Catherine the Great
Ruler of Russia who greatly increased the territory of the empire and attempted some Enlightened Reforms such as educating girls
Note 
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