Enlightenment Section 3

Vocabulary flashcards covering key Enlightenment-era rulers, concepts, and terms.

Enlightened Absolutism

An absolute monarch who uses centralized power to bring about political and social change based on Enlightenment ideas.

Catherine II the Great

Russian ruler admired by philosophers; modernized and reformed Russia; implemented limited reforms, but did little to improve peasants' lives; nobles gained absolute power over serfs; sought access to the Black Sea and expanded the empire into Poland.

Joseph II

Son of Maria Theresa; the most Enlightened of the Enlightened Monarchs; abolished serfdom and the death penalty; imposed equal taxes on all classes; promoted religious toleration and greater freedom of speech; reforms were largely reversed after his death.

Frederick II the Great

Prussian king who tried to introduce Enlightenment reforms; built on military and bureaucratic foundations; promoted freedom of religion, increased state control of the economy, and abolished torture in the justice system.

Serfdom

The system of agricultural labor in eastern Europe where peasants had no rights or freedoms and were bound to the land.

Despotism

A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator, not restricted by a constitution, laws, or opposition.