Enlightened despotism is defined as the theory that a ruler should rule in such a way as to efficiently better the lives of the people and the state. This theory comes from the enlightenment itself, and was a social revolution in terms of government. Rulers such as Maria Theresa of Austria, and Catherine the Great all worked toward the betterment of society, at times using their absolute rule to enforce this system of improvement. Napoleon …
showed first 75 words of 528 total

showed last 75 words of 528 total
…