Enlightened absolutism
Enlightened absolutism (also known as benevolent despotism or enlightened despotism) is a term used to describe the actions of absolute rulers who were influenced by the Enlightenment, a historical period of the 18th and early 19th centuries. The main Enlightenment-era proponent of this system was Voltaire, who regularly corresponded with several of the rulers of this time.
Enlightened monarchs were rulers who distinguished themselves from traditional monarchs in the way they governed. Specifically, Enlightened monarchs embraced the principles of the Enlightenment, especially its emphasis upon rationality, and applied them to their kingdoms. They tended to allow religious toleration, freedom of speech and the press, and the right to hold private property. Most fostered the arts, sciences, and education.
Enlightened Absolutists' beliefs about royal power were often similar to those of absolute monarchs, in that many believed that they had the right to govern by birth. The difference between an Absolutist and an Enlightened Absolutist is based on a broad analysis of how far they embraced Enlightenment. In particular Emperor Joseph II can be said to have fully embraced the Enlightened concept of the social contract. In contrast Catherine II entirely rejected the concept of the social contract while taking up many ideas of the Enlightenment, for example by being a great patron of the arts in Russia and incorporating many ideas of Enlightened philosophers, especially Montesquieu, in her Nakaz, to a committee meant to revise Russian law.
In effect, the monarchs ruled with the intent of improving the lives of their subjects in order to strengthen or reinforce their authority. For example, the abolition of serfdom in Europe was achieved by Enlightened rulers. In the spirit of Enlightened absolutism, Emperor Joseph II of the Holy Roman Empire once said: "Everything for the people, nothing by the people."
Some enlightened absolutists
Frederick II of Prussia (1740 to 1786)
Maria Theresa of Austria (1740-1780) - Note that her status as an enlightened despot is debated
Charles III of Spain (1759-1788) (Charles VII of Naples; 1734-1759)
Catherine II of Russia, "Catherine the Great" (1762-1796)
Maximilian III, Elector of Bavaria 1745-1777
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor (1765-1790)
Gustavus III of Sweden (1771-1792)
Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor (1790-1792)
Napoleon Bonaparte of France (1804-1814/1815)
William I of the Netherlands (1815-1840)
Marquis of Pombal, Prime minister of Portugal