Access to History: Europe and the Enlightened Despots

This volume provides students with an understanding both of the ideas of the enlightened thinkers of the 18th century, and to what extent these ideas were put into practice by European monarchs. It discusses why these rulers were so keen to be seen to be following enlightened ideas, yet so rarely put them into practice. The minor rulers who can be classed as Enlightened Despots and the influence of enlightened ideas on the conduct of foreign policy is also considered.