Catherine the Great: Enlightened Despot Catherine the Great of Russia was influenced largely by the French Enlightenment and considered herself an enlightened despot; she read the works of Montesquieu and Voltaire and accumulated a considerable amount of knowledge of the theory of government and politics (de Madariaga). Since her reign in Russia‚ it has been debated whether or not her implementation of Enlightenment ideals was for the greater good of her country‚ or for her to protect her place
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If it wasn’t for the great despots of the 18th century‚ The Enlightenment would have never happened. The despots included such great thinkers as Fredrick the II‚ Peter the Great‚ Katherine the II‚ and Maria Therea. These great minds inspired others to think in a different way. People began to question religion‚ governments‚ and economic fairness. Without them we would not have had the scientific method that has lead to many of the inventions that we have today. They not only had a huge impact on
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Enlightened despots believed that political change could best come from above‚ from the ruler. However‚ they were encouraged by the philosophers to make good laws to promote human happiness. How did these monarchs differ from earlier unenlightened monarchs of the past? The difference lay in tempo. These new despots acted abruptly and desired quicker results. They were impatient with all that stood in the way of their reforms. In addition‚ they justified their authority on the grounds of usefulness
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Catherine II or Russia‚ reffered to as Catherine the Great‚ exemplifies the enlightened despot of her time. She reined over Russia from 1762 until her death in 1769. During her thirty four year reign she helped Russia to reach its fullest potential. One major improvemtn for Russia was it’s agricultural growth. When Catherine II took the throne Russia was a primarily agricultural country‚ the well educated Empress began by hiring experts to study soil and research new technologly to improve farming
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an enlightened despot‚ or a ruler that makes good laws and promotes human happiness with them. It has been said about the great conqueror and emperor Napoleon Bonaparte that he is the last of the enlightened despots‚ but others say he is the first of the modern dictators. There is substantial evidence to argue both sides in this dispute‚ but it is more true to say that Napoleon was the transition between the two. Louis Bergeron‚ historian‚ argues that Napoleon was the last of the enlightened despots
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Catherine‚ Frederick and Louis - Unenlightened Tyrants in an Enlightened Age It is better to be feared than loved‚ if you cannot be both. -- Niccolo Machiavelli‚ - The Prince The Enlightenment is touted by modern historians as a time of intellectual and social advancement‚ an era of optimism and freedom unheard of in earlier times. The era of absolutism is seen as a time of mounting liberty that contributed to the rise of democracy in the Americas and elsewhere. In reality‚ the "Enlightened Despotism"
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Enlightened despotism is when there is an absolute ruler‚ in some cases a tyrant‚ who follows the principles of the Enlightenment through reforms. Permitting religious toleration‚ allowing freedom of the press and speech‚ and expanding education are a few main guidelines to being and enlightened despot. Napoleon I is often referred to as one of the greatest enlightened despots. Although‚ he did not follow the ideas of the enlightenment entirely‚ he managed his country in a way that he maintained
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accessing the actual "greatness" attributed to Catherine the Great‚ Empress of Russia during the European Enlightenment‚ one must look at all aspects of her rule. Her outgoing personality left her to be described as anything from "terrible" to "great". She could be deceptive yet honest‚ humorous yet firm‚ and light-hearted yet wise. Thus the Enlightenment would not have been a part of Russian history if not for the determination of Catherine the Great. Catherine the Great’s exceptional character and illuminating
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Catherine the Great was known as an "Enlightened Despot‚" because she reigned during the Age of the Enlightenment along with other monarchs such as Frederick the Great and Joseph II‚ began to understand the concepts of reason‚ natural law and other ideas being developed at the time by various philosophers. An enlightened despot realized that even though she or he had absolute powers‚ they had an obligation to use those powers for the good of their subjects rather than just for themselves.
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The Great Dictator’s Speech I know most of you might expect me to talk about a speech by Abraham Lincoln or Winston Churchill!‚ but today I thought I would talk to you about a speech that really inspired me! a speech by Charlie Chaplin. In his first speaking role‚ Charlie Chaplin makes one of the most moving and thought-provoking speeches in history. The Great Dictator‚ a movie written‚ produced‚ directed‚ and starring Charlie Chaplin‚ premiered on October 15‚ 1940‚ while the United States
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