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Paragraph 3.3. Enlightened rulers. Netherlands . We were a Republic: chosen leader Other European countries were a monarchy. Ruled by a single ruler. Often an absolutist They believed they had to rule alone, given by God. Absolutist rulers ignored parliaments. . Absolutist rulers.
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Paragraph 3.3 Enlightened rulers
Netherlands • We were a Republic: chosen leader • Other European countries were a monarchy. • Ruled by a single ruler. • Often an absolutist • They believed they had to rule alone, given by God. • Absolutist rulers ignored parliaments.
Absolutist rulers • Not all of them were conservative ( = wanting to keep the old) • Some agreed with new ideas of the Enlightenment. • Maria Theresa and Joseph II of Austria were Enlightened absolutists. (mother and son)
Maria Theresa and Joseph II of Austria • Wanted changes in their country. • Religious freedom • State education • Free speech • But no sharing power with the people!! • Everything for the people, but nothing by the people.
Joseph II • Ruled with his mother. • He wanted quick Enlightenment changes. • His mother wanted it gradually. • He made some big changes:
Reforms: • State would provide health care and education, not the church! • All people had to be able to read German. • He abolished serfdom, where peasants work the land for their lord in return for protection. Is a bit like slavery. • Peasants were now free, with paid wages. • Conservatives hated these changes.
Keywords • Absolutist: a ruler who believes in having all power alone. • Conservative: a person doesn’t want any changes. • Serfdom: a kind of slavery where peasants have to stay on the land and belong to the owner.