Enlightened Despotism/ Enlightened Absolutism | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

The 18th century, particularly in the later years of the Enlightenment, is characterized by a phase known as Enlightened Despotism or Enlightened Absolutism. Historian Lord Acton referred to this era as the repentance of monarchy. Despotic monarchsin various European nations, influenced by Enlightenment thought, adopted certain Enlightenment principles while maintaining their authoritarian rule. These rulers were termed Enlightened despots.

Enlightenment Ideas Adopted by Enlightened Despots

• Governments should exist for the protection of the people.
• Benevolence towards their subjects.
• Emphasis upon rationality.
• Allowing religious toleration,freedom of speech and the press,right to hold private property, etc.
• Fostering the arts,sciences, and education.

Why Enlightenment Ideas Were Adopted by Enlightened Despots

• The transformation in the rulers’ mindset was influenced by the spread of rationalism in the writings of 18^th-century thinkers.
• Rulers were deeply impacted by the works of Rousseau,Voltaire,Montesquieu, and Diderot, showing genuine interest in implementing the philosophers’ enlightened views.
• A growing interest in philosophy and political science among rulers led to more liberal policies.
• The prevailing political ideas emphasized the state’s power while also considering public interest over dynastic interests.
• Many rulers believed that adopting Enlightenment principles would strengthen and empower their states.
• Some rulers utilized Enlightenment ideas not just for reforms but also to bolster their despotic power.

Examples of Enlightened Despots

• Frederick the Great of Prussia
• Joseph II of Austria
• Catherine II of Russia
• Charles III of Spain

Frederick the Great of Prussia (1740-86)

• Frederick the Great was a prominent example of an Enlightened Absolute ruler.
• Service to the State: He saw himself as "the first servant" of the state, contrasting with Louis XIV of France, who famously said, "I am the State."
• Benevolent Despotism: His rule was guided by Enlightenment principles, aiming to promote the welfare of his people.
• Influence of Voltaire: Frederick was inspired by the ideas of the French philosopher Voltaire, with whom he had a friendship.
• Military Power: He transformed Prussia into a leading European military power and was involved in several military campaigns.
• Social and Economic Reforms: Frederick implemented various reforms influenced by Enlightenment thought, including:
• Improving agriculture
• Boosting the economy through provincial banks and industrial encouragement
• Supporting the arts and education
• Abolishing serfdom
• Reforming the justice system
• Modifying criminal law
• Promoting intellectual development through schools

Joseph II of Austria (1765-90)

• Influence of Frederick the Great: Joseph II aimed to model his reign after Frederick the Great.
• Reform Challenges: His progressive ideas were ahead of their time and not well-received by his subjects.
• Influenced by Enlightenment: His reforms included:
• Abolishing serfdom with provisions for marriage, land sales, and fixed rents
• Promoting individual rights and equality before the law
• Encouraging freedom of expression and press
• Reducing privileges of nobility, clergy, and corporations
• Fostering religious tolerance
• Bringing the Church under state control
• Promoting education and establishing schools
• Encouraging trade and industry
• Building infrastructure for economic development

Catherine the Great of Russia (1762-96)

• Empress of Russia: Catherine the Great was a well-educated ruler, known for her writings and admiration of Enlightenment philosophers like Voltaire and Diderot.
• Westernization Efforts: Being of Western origin, she aimed to westernize Russia.
• Enlightenment Policies: Her policies included:
• Patronage of higher education
• Founding schools
• Supporting scholars like Diderot
• Improving education, healthcare, and women's rights
• Clarifying noble rights
• Condemning torture
• Encouraging religious tolerance within the Orthodox Church
• Secularizing church property and bringing clergy under state control
• Promoting industry and commerce

Charles III of Spain

• Reforms: Charles III implemented various reforms in Spain, including:
• Weakening the Church's influence
• Facilitating land ownership for the poor
• Improving transportation routes

Limitations of Enlightened Despotism

• Enlightened Absolutists aimed to implement reforms for the betterment of society, but these reforms were often short-lived and failed to bring about lasting change.
• Despite some attempts at reform, most rulers did not fundamentally alter the nature of absolutist rule.

Enlightened Despots

• Enlightened Despots recognized the need to govern for the people's benefit but resisted being guided by the people's will.
• In their pursuit of enlightenment, they reinforced monarchical absolutism, failing to gain popular support.
• The success of enlightened despotism relied heavily on individual rulers. When weaker successors followed capable leaders, the system faltered.
• Many absolutists acted hastily, disregarding the deep-rooted traditions and biases of the populace.

Joseph II of Austria

• His failure exemplified the pitfalls of ignoring established customs and practices.

Differences in Personal Enlightenment vs. Regime Enlightenment

• There was often a gap between a ruler's personal enlightenment and the practical implementation of reforms during their reign.
• For instance, Frederick the Great of Prussia, influenced by Enlightenment ideas, struggled to enact significant reforms despite his personal beliefs.

Limitations in Policies of Enlightened Despots

Catherine the Great

• Imprisoned numerous opponents.
• Maintained censorship and serfdom.
• Discussed reforms to gain popular support but failed to implement them effectively.

Joseph II

• Was an impractical idealist, proposing numerous reforms with little support, leading to chaos and revolts.
• His reforms were implemented hastily without considering their impact on traditions and customs.
• His attempts to impose uniformity on a multicultural population made him appear as an intrusive tyrant.

Frederick the Great

• Despite his reforms, the tax burden continued to disproportionately affect peasants and commoners.

Marquis of Pombal

• Many Enlightened despots, including the Marquis of Pombal in Portugal, utilized Enlightenment ideas not only for reforms but also to strengthen autocracy.
• Suppressed opposition, criticism, and furthered colonial economic exploitation for personal gain.

Enlightened Despotism as a Reaction

• While Enlightened despotism was a response to the issues of the Old Regime in Europe, it was not strong enough to completely overturn monarchical absolutism.
• The French Revolution was necessary to bring about a more significant change and address the problems of the Old Regime.