Who were considered Enlightened despots, and why?

Enlightened despots were rulers who implemented Enlightenment ideals while maintaining absolute power, such as Catherine the Great, Frederick the Great, and Joseph II.

Enlightened despotism, also known as benevolent despotism, was a form of absolute monarchy or despotism in which rulers were influenced by the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 18th century. It was characterised by the belief in the power of human reason and by innovations in political, religious and educational doctrine. Enlightened despots distinguished themselves from ordinary despots by claiming to rule for their subjects' well-being. They often enacted legal and social reforms inspired by Enlightenment principles, while maintaining their royal authority.

Catherine the Great of Russia, Frederick the Great of Prussia, and Joseph II of Austria are often cited as the main examples of Enlightened despots. Catherine the Great was a patron of the arts and modernised Russia along Western European lines. She corresponded with many of the prominent figures of the Enlightenment and is remembered for her efforts to modernise Russia and for her expansionist foreign policy.

Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, was an admirer of Voltaire and committed to modernising Prussia. He introduced a general civil code, abolished torture and established a more efficient bureaucracy. He also promoted religious tolerance in his realm, which was quite revolutionary at the time.

Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 to 1790, was perhaps the most radical Enlightened despot. He introduced wide-ranging reforms, including the abolition of serfdom, the promotion of religious tolerance and reforms to the legal and penal systems. However, many of his reforms were resisted by the conservative nobility and were reversed after his death.

In conclusion, Enlightened despots were rulers who sought to apply Enlightenment ideals to their governance, often implementing significant social, legal and administrative reforms. However, they maintained their absolute power and did not seek to limit their own authority.