Enlightened and Other Approaches to Power: AP European History Study Guide
Introduction
Hey there, history nerds and power aficionados! Ready to dive into the Enlightenment and see how some rulers tried to rule with brains and brawn? We’re delving into the fascinating world of enlightened despots, where monarchs tried to mix a bit of Enlightenment sparkle with their iron fists. 🛡️✨
Rise of Prussia and the Shiny New Political Map
The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, wasn’t just another yawn-inducing treaty—it laid the groundwork for something revolutionary: Westphalian sovereignty. This meant each state could control its own religion, breaking the Catholic Church's monopoly like a bad cellular contract. 🌍✝️📜 As German states seized the opportunity to pick their own faiths (hello Lutheranism!), the fragmented Holy Roman Empire started looking like Humpty Dumpty post-fall.
This shift gave Prussia a chance to flex its muscles. Competing in the "Who Wants to be a Superpower?" game show, Prussia emerged as a major player throughout the 19th century. It was like watching a small-town band hit the big leagues. 🎸
Enlightened Despots: The Brainy Bullies
Napoleon Bonaparte (1800-1815): The Frenemy of Europe
Napoleon Bonaparte is like that frenetic friend who revamps your entire house only to set it on fire later. After the French Revolution, he introduced reforms mirroring revolutionary ideals—less Church meddling, fewer taxes for the common folk, and upholding natural rights. The Napoleonic Code, his crowning achievement, reshuffled over 300 law codes into one streamlined set. It promoted popular sovereignty, a citizen army, freedom of religion, and the end of hereditary privileges. It was like iOS for French laws. 📱📜
But Mr. "I Want Europe" had a dark side. His ambition to conquer Europe led to endless wars. His Russian campaign was about as successful as trying to microwave a burrito in its foil—epically disastrous. This ultimately led to his Waterloo and a one-way ticket to St. Helena. 🚫🌍
Maria Theresa of Austria (1740-1780): The Hardcore Habsburg
Maria Theresa was Austria's iron lady and one of history’s multitasking champions. After claiming her throne post the War of Austrian Succession, she rolled out reforms that mixed compassion with command. She promoted education, founded a scientific academy, and even led by example with smallpox inoculation. She established military academies, mandated education for all, and developed Austria’s police force and Supreme Court. 💉📚👩⚖️
However, being a devout Catholic, she wasn’t as tolerant and expelled Jewish communities from Austria. Despite her tough exterior, she did work tirelessly to uplift her realm, proving that girl power ran strong in her Habsburg veins. PS: One of her daughters was the notorious Marie Antoinette. 🍰👑
Joseph II of Austria (1765-1790): The Reform Factory
Joseph II, son of Maria Theresa, co-reigned with his mother but only truly wielded power after her death. Known for his Edict of Toleration, he granted limited religious freedoms and championed the arts. He reduced the Catholic Church’s stranglehold, closing unproductive monasteries. 🎭
However, many of his reforms were like sugar-coated pills—intended to centralize his power, heavily tax the untaxed, and boost conscription. Critics argue he was less about Enlightenment ideals and more about expanding his authority.
Frederick William I of Prussia: The Soldier King
Frederick William I wasn’t about frills; he was all about drills. He transformed Prussia into a fearsome military state with a well-oiled recruitment system and a disciplined officer corps. He even brought primary education to all Prussians and lightened the burden on serfs, placing heavy taxes on the wealthy and abolishing hereditary privilege. 🎓🪖
Frederick II of Prussia (1740-1786): Frederick the Cool
Frederick II followed his dad’s footsteps but with a modern twist. He believed in achieving his goals by keeping his subjects content. While he maintained strong conservative policies, he ensured his citizens felt secure under his rule, balancing his own ambitions with their needs. 🏰⚖️
Catherine the Great of Russia (1762-1796): The Enlightened Dreamer
Catherine the Great aspired to overhaul Russia with Enlightenment ideals, including a failed attempt at drafting a constitution. She expanded Russian territories, built cities, bolstered trade, and promoted education. However, she couldn't abolish serfdom due to its crucial role in the economy, and she even imposed it on Ukrainians. 🏙️🚜
Key Terms You Need to Know
- Catherine the Great of Russia: The longest-ruling female leader of Russia, she expanded territories and modernized administration, continuing Peter the Great’s westernization efforts.
- Edict of Toleration: A governmental declaration allowing religious freedom to some extent.
- Enlightened Despots: 18th-century monarchs inspired by Enlightenment ideas, who implemented reforms while retaining absolute power.
- Frederick II of Prussia: Also known as "Frederick the Great," he modernized the Prussian army and introduced enlightened absolutism.
- Frederick William I of Prussia: The "Soldier King" known for military and bureaucratic efficiency.
- Joseph II of Austria: An enlightened despot who pushed for radical reforms, including religious tolerance and abolition of serfdom.
- Maria Theresa of Austria: The sole female Habsburg ruler, she reformed her empire's administration and military.
- Napoleon Bonaparte: French military and political leader whose Napoleonic Code influenced global civil law.
- Napoleonic Code: The civil law code established under Napoleon that became a model for many subsequent legal systems.
- Rise of Prussia: The period when Prussia grew significantly in power and influence during the 18th century.
- War of Austrian Succession: A series of wars over Maria Theresa’s right to inherit the Habsburg lands.
- Westphalian Sovereignty: The principle that each nation-state has sovereignty over its territory, originating from the Peace of Westphalia in 1648.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Enlightened despots were like the ultimate paradoxes—enlightened in their reforms but still despots at heart. From Napoleon's legal makeover of France to Catherine's ambitious yet limited reform in Russia, these rulers brought a mix of progress and power that redefined their nations. So, channel your inner enlightened monarch and ace that AP European History exam! 🚀📚
