Enlightened despots
by Josephine Lee
1. Enlightened monarchs embrace rationality. Most enlightened monarchs fostered education and allowed religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and the right to hold private property.
2. It is referring to a leader's espousal of "Enlightenment ideas and principles" to enhance the leader's power.[
3. The concept originated during the Enlightenment period in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
4. An enlightened despot is a non-democratic or authoritarian leader who exercises their political power for the benefit of the people, rather than exclusively for themselves or elites.
5. "Enlightened" despots distinguished themselves from ordinary despots by claiming to rule for their subjects' well-being.
6. Enlightened absolutism is the theme of an essay by Frederick the Great,
6.1. ruled Prussia from 1740 to 1786, defending this system of government.
7. Is a form of absolute monarchy or despotism inspired by the Enlightenment.
