—Most of Europe ruled by absolute monarchs
—Receptive to Enlightenment ideas
—Instituted new laws and practices
Enlightened Monarchs
• Frederick II, Prussia
• Catherine the Great, Russia
• Maria Theresa, Austria
• Joseph II, Holy Roman Empire
• Gustav III, Sweden
• Napoleon I, France
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During the time of the Enlightenment, most of the countries in continental Europe were ruled by monarchs who exercised absolute power. Many of these monarchs read Enlightenment works and were intrigued by the new ideas thinkers put forth. The philosophes thought that an “enlightened” monarch could implement their ideas, which would result in better laws and a general improvement in the quality of life for all citizens. Some thinkers did end up corresponding with or advising European monarchs and eventually influenced many to put a range of Enlightenment ideals into practice.