Module 4.3 - Enlightened Despots and the Partition of Poland

Enlightened Despots

Rulers who embraced Enlightenment ideas superficially.

Frederick the Great

Prussian ruler who maintained military power.

Catherine the Great

Russian empress who suppressed peasant uprisings.

Joseph II

Austrian emperor known for extensive reforms.

Partition of Poland

Division of Poland among three empires.

First Partition

Poland lost 30% territory, half population.

Second Partition

Reduced Poland to about one-third its size.

Third Partition

Final dissolution of Poland in 1795.

Enlightenment Ideals

Philosophical principles advocating reason and progress.

Philosophes

Enlightenment thinkers promoting reason and reform.

Trust in Rulers

Disillusionment with enlightened despots' commitments.

People's Expectations

Hope for enlightened governance unmet by rulers.

Fraternal Community

Ideal of nations cooperating for mutual benefit.

Revolutionary Uprisings

Popular revolts against oppressive regimes.

Pushback Against Kings

Shift towards popular sovereignty and democracy.

French Revolution

Popular uprising challenging monarchy and aristocracy.

Enlightenment's Legacy

Raised hopes for progress and governance reform.

Historical Context

Poland's partitions reflect geopolitical struggles.

Commitment to Enlightenment

Actual adherence to Enlightenment principles by rulers.

Territorial Loss

Significant reduction in Poland's land and population.

Dissolution of Nations

Complete disintegration of a country's sovereignty.

Expectations vs. Reality

Discrepancy between Enlightenment promises and outcomes.