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Enlightened Absolutism and State-Building
Absolute sovereigns rule in Europe in the early 18th century. But the spirit of the Enlightenment brings about change. Such monarchs as Frederick II of Prussia embody a new form of rulership: enlightened absolutism. They see themselves as sovereigns who act according to the principle of reason for the welfare of their subjects and the state. Reforms are intended to fill the state treasury and address social ills. But only the nobility are in power and war is still wielded as a political tool. Frederick is determined to turn Prussia into a great power, whatever the cost. While in Austria, Prussia’s fiercest adversary, Emperor Joseph II seeks to achieve popularity as a rational enlightener. This, however, leads to conflict with Maria Theresa, his ambitious and religious mother.
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Potsdam, Frederick II, king, Prussia, England, Great Britain, Isaac Newton, natural sciences, human reason, faith, philosophers of the Enlightenment, salons, book market, reader revolution, books, national languages, Palace of Sanssouci, Sanssouci palace, Enlightenment, philosophy, philosophers, understanding of rulership, Thomas Hobbes, first servant of the State, reforms, tax revenues, reasons of state, religious tolerance, jews, co-determination, Voltaire, friendly correspondence, Silesia, Austria, Habsburg, Maria Theresia, alliances, great power, France, French, Russia, parvenue, colonies, Seven Years’ War, balance of powers, Poland, kingdom, Polish Partition, Habsburg dynasty, Emperor, Joseph II, enlightened rationalist, Catholic religion, centralisation, tax reform, traditions, press censorship, revolution from above, Paris, People's rule, Declaration of Human and Citizens’ Rights, reign of terror, guillotine, violence, freedom, equality
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