Enlightened DespotsEnlightened Despots

Rulers who sought to govern Rulers who sought to govern through principles of reason while through principles of reason while maintaining their absolute power.maintaining their absolute power.

Absolutism

the power and right to rule, resides exclusively with the King and not the nobles nor any assembly

Divine Right

Belief that God had chosen them to ruleKing owned the country and its people

Ruling Families of Europe

Nation Dynasty Ruler

France Bourbons Louis XIV

PrussiaHohenzollern

sFrederick the

Great

Russia RomanovsPeter the GreatCatherine the

Great

How Just were the Enlightened Despots?

Background: Childhood, Education, etc.Catherine the Great: German Princess who ruled after her husbands death.

Fascinating Facts:Louis XIV – Sun King

Frederick Great was friends with Voltaire

Accomplishments:

Failures:

Most Important Impact on History:

In your opinion, which of these rulers was the most just and why?