Enlightened absolutism

From TheBestLinks.com

The term enlightened absolutism refers to the absolutist rule of an enlightened monarch (or enlightened despot). This is a reference to the so-called 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 despots were monarchs who distinguished themselves from traditional despots in the way they governed. Specifically, Enlightened despots ruled their subjects using the principles of the Enlightenment. Although their reigns were influenced by Enlightenment ideas, their beliefs about royal power were often similar to those of traditional despots. Many enlightened despots believed that they had the right to govern by birth.

In effect, the monarchs ruled with the intent of improving the lives of their subjects in order to strengthen or reinforce their authority.

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".