AP Euro Topic 4.6 Enlightened and Other Approaches to Power Terms/Names (copy)

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)

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

Peace of Westphalia

the peace treaties that ended the Thirty Years' War in 1648. Increased power of France. Allowed Catholic, Lutheran, and Calvinism as acceptable religions.