The Enlightenment

1. Ideas

1.1. many people saw that reform from the absolutist monarchies of the past was necessary for ideal society

1.2. writers were often censored due to the old governments wishing to preserve the old ways

1.3. many advancements in science and philosophy and literature were made

2. Salons

2.1. discussion of the new ideas of philosophy and science were often held behind closed doors, due to censorship, and many middle class citizens came to discuss their ideas

3. Enlightened Despots

3.1. Frederick the Great (rule: 1740-1766)

3.1.1. accepted ideas of the Enlightenment, and used his power to have his country embrace Enlightenment ideas

3.1.2. showed religious tolerance and allowed a free press

3.2. Catherine the Great (gained power in 1762)

3.2.1. abolished torture and established religious tolerance

3.3. Joseph II

3.3.1. traveled in disguise among his subjects in order to learn Enlightenment ideas

3.3.2. supported religious equality and attempted to remove the overbearing presence of the Catholic Church from royal affairs