Part 1 Introduction - enlightened despotism: the "ancien regime"; changing Europe - the great explorations, religious wars, the scientific revolution, the English revolution; study guides. Part 2 The writers of the Enlightenment: Montesquieu; Diderot and the "Encyclopedie"; Voltaire; Rousseau; other writers; study guides. Part 3 Frederick the Great: the new king; the philosopher-king; education; serfdom; economy; religion; the law and the state; the nobles and the army; conclusion; study guides. Part 4 Catherine the Great: coming to power; Zemstvo and Nakaz; serfdom; the nobles; economic policy; religion; education; government; the last years; study guides. Part 5 Joseph II: early life; political philosophy; Joseph as co-ruler; reforms in government; religion; serfdom; social reform; education; justice; economics; the last months; study guides. Part 6 The minor enlightened despots: introduction; Leopold II - Tuscany 1765-90; Charles IV - Naples 1734-59; Charles III - Spain 1759-88; Pombal - Portugal 1755-77; Dr Stuensee - Denmark 1770-72; conclusion; study guides. Part 7 Conclusion: enlightened despotism; philosophers and kings; royal policies; enlightened despotism in practice; enlightened foreign policy; the impact on the French Revolution; historians and enlightened despotism; success or failure?; study guide.
