Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Enlightened Despotism, a prominent political philosophy of the 18th century, described rulers who were influenced by the Enlightenment’s emphasis on reason, progress, and the welfare of their subjects. Monarchs like Frederick the Great of Prussia, Catherine the Great of Russia, and Joseph II of Austria embraced certain Enlightenment principles to strengthen their states. However, the term ‘enlightened’ should not be equated with ‘liberal’. While these rulers implemented reforms in areas like education, law, and the economy, they did so within the framework of absolute monarchy, believing that they alone possessed the wisdom to determine what was best for their people. This answer will explore how these rulers, despite adopting Enlightenment ideals, remained fundamentally committed to maintaining their despotic power.
Defining Enlightened Despotism and its Core Tenets
Enlightened Despotism was characterized by rulers who believed in ruling by reason and for the benefit of their subjects, rather than by divine right or tradition. This involved adopting policies inspired by Enlightenment thinkers like Voltaire, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. Key tenets included:
- Administrative Reform: Streamlining bureaucracy, improving efficiency, and centralizing power.
- Legal Reform: Codifying laws, reducing arbitrary justice, and promoting legal equality (though often limited).
- Economic Development: Encouraging commerce, agriculture, and industry through mercantilist policies.
- Religious Toleration: Granting limited religious freedoms to attract skilled workers and promote stability.
- Educational Advancement: Establishing schools and universities to promote literacy and knowledge.
Adoption of Enlightenment Ideals by Despotic Rulers
Several rulers demonstrably adopted Enlightenment ideals. Frederick the Great of Prussia (1740-1786), for example, reformed the Prussian legal system, abolished torture (except in cases of treason), and promoted religious tolerance through the Edict of Potsdam (1748). He also encouraged education and fostered a climate of intellectual inquiry. Catherine the Great of Russia (1762-1796) corresponded with Voltaire and Diderot, and initially considered implementing a new legal code based on Enlightenment principles (the Nakaz). She founded the Smolny Institute for Noble Maidens, Russia’s first state-financed educational establishment for women. Joseph II of Austria (1780-1790) was perhaps the most radical, enacting sweeping reforms including the abolition of serfdom, the Patent of Toleration granting religious freedom, and the establishment of a unified legal system.
The Persistence of Despotism: Why Not Politically Liberal?
Despite these reforms, these rulers were not politically liberal. Their primary goal was to strengthen the state, not to empower their subjects. This manifested in several ways:
- Absolute Power: They retained absolute authority and did not share power with representative institutions. Reforms were enacted *from above*, not through popular consent.
- Suppression of Dissent: While promoting intellectual inquiry, they were quick to suppress any criticism of their rule or the established order. Catherine’s initial enthusiasm for reform waned after the Pugachev Rebellion (1773-1775), leading to increased repression.
- Limited Scope of Reform: Reforms often had limitations. For example, while Joseph II abolished serfdom, it was done without adequate compensation to landowners, creating resentment. Religious toleration was often granted selectively.
- State Interests Paramount: All reforms were ultimately geared towards strengthening the state’s military, economic, and administrative capabilities. The welfare of the people was seen as a means to this end, not an end in itself.
Comparative Table of Reforms and Limitations
| Ruler | Enlightened Reforms | Limitations/Despotic Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Frederick the Great | Legal reform, religious toleration, promotion of education | Maintained strict military discipline, limited freedom of the press, absolute authority |
| Catherine the Great | Correspondence with Enlightenment thinkers, establishment of schools | Suppression of Pugachev Rebellion, expansion of serfdom in practice, limited political reform |
| Joseph II | Abolition of serfdom, Patent of Toleration, unified legal system | Imposed reforms rapidly and without consultation, faced widespread resistance, revoked some reforms before death |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Enlightened Despots embraced certain ideals of the Enlightenment – reason, efficiency, and the welfare of their subjects – they did so within the confines of absolute monarchy. Their reforms were instruments to strengthen the state, not to grant political liberties. The persistence of autocratic rule, suppression of dissent, and limited scope of reforms demonstrate that these rulers were ‘enlightened’ in their governance, but fundamentally remained ‘despotic’ in their political outlook. They represent a pragmatic adaptation of Enlightenment thought to maintain, rather than dismantle, existing power structures.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.