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TRANSCRIPT
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