Explain term Enlightened absolutism and how it can be applied to the rulers in Europe and in Asia?

Answer 1

Hope you don't really believe this bullshlt that some teacher is making you memorize.

Answer 2

Ah, an essay question, eh? Enlightened absolutism was the belief that monarchs should be educated, well-rounded people of the world and that they should rule in a limited fashion without caprice and without making arbitrary decisions. In short, they would grant the governed civil liberties and they would agree not to violate those liberties.

As for monarchs - there's plenty. Take a look at France under the Louis and Britain since Magna Carta. It could be argued that the British created the most enlightened monarchy, but they don't really govern anymore.

Answer 3

Enlightened absolutism could also be called enlightened despotism which is the same thing. These are leaders that are very enlightened like. They are rational, and do things out of reason.

heres some examples of countries in europe with enlightened despots-

AUSTRIA
-King Joseph II had some very rational achievements. He encouraged religious toleration for the good of his kingdom. Equal punishment is rational, along with equal taxation.
Also he justified himself as king not by the "divine right" of kings(where kings say god made them king) but by a much more rational idea-"The state means doing the greatest good for the greatest number" This was basically like him saying Im here to help...much better than some dumb kings trying to say god made them king.

PRUSSIA- (not russia)

Fredrick the Great (II) was an enlightened despot mainly because of him taking some land called silesia. Sure he had religious toleration which was also enlighten-like. Think about it. Why persecute people if they contribute to your kingdom? It doesnt make sense, its not rational. With him taking this chunk of land called silesia, he was seeking material progress for his people.

side note-
Enlightened rulers follow either montesquie, voltaire, or rousseu. Their the big influences.

-montesquie basically says tat you need a seperation of power
-Voltaire says that type of gov't doesnt matter as long as its effective and can protect, provide, and tolerate religions
-Rousseau says the people need to have an unwritten contrat with them and the gov't.


I hope that helps. Maybe its just me, but I think an answer typed out by a normal person rather than some bozo copying and pasting wikipedia is more helpful. Your decision : )