Royal Report Card

Based on our class discussion of Enlightened Absolutism (also called Enlightened Despotism), you are going to look at three case studies of European monarchs from the 18th century and grade them according to how well they embodied Enlightened Absolutism. You must grade them according to the criteria listed below, and justify that grade with specific historical evidence.

Monarch 1

Joseph II of AustriaTechnically still called Holy Roman Emperor, although the HRE only controlled Austrian lands following the Peace of Westphalia.

Ruled Austria from 1765-1790

Report Card

Criteria Grade (A-F)

Justification

Provided equality before the law for all people (serfdom)

Protected freedom to practice religion

Protected freedom of speech, press, and assembly

Protected the right to hold property

Supported the arts, philosophy, and sciences

Funded education

Used reason when ruling (not arbitrary)

Avoided war and used diplomacy

Applied physiocratic economic policies

Monarch 2

Frederick II of PrussiaAlso known as Frederick the Great

Ruled Prussia from 1740-1786Important background information:

Report CardCriteria Grade

(A-F)Justification

Provided equality before the law for all people (serfdom)

Protected freedom to practice religion

Protected freedom of speech, press, and assembly

Protected the right to hold property

Supported the arts, philosophy, and sciences

Funded education

Used reason when ruling (not arbitrary)

Avoided war and used diplomacy

Applied physiocratic economic policies

Monarch 3

Catherine II of RussiaAlso called the Catherine the Great

Ruled Russia from 1762-1796Important background information:

Report CardCriteria Grade

(A-F)Justification

Provided equality before the law for all people (serfdom)

Protected freedom to practice religion

Protected freedom of speech, press, and assembly

Protected the right to hold property

Supported the arts, philosophy, and sciences

Funded education

Used reason when ruling (not arbitrary)

Avoided war and used diplomacy

Applied physiocratic economic policies

Class rankNow you must evaluate the monarchs strengths and weaknesses and compare them to one another. Rank the monarchs 1 through 3, with number 1 being the monarch who best achieved Enlightened Absolutism. Be sure to summarize their strengths and weakness in the overall assessment and justification of your ranking.

Monarch Rank Justification for rank including strengths and weaknesses of the monarch

Joseph II of Austria

Frederick II of Prussia

Catherine II of Russia