European States

Enlightened Absolutism?

Natural Laws

The belief that people has natural rights

Thought to be fundamental privileges that must not be withheld form any person

Also know as enlightened despotism

Prussia

Frederick William I

Frederick II

Promoted the evolution of Prussia's civil bureaucracy

Also known as "the Great"

Established by the General Directory

Served as the chief administrative agent of

Central Government

Supervising Military

Police

Economics

Financial Affairs

Focused on the army

Doubled its numbers

From 45,000 - 83,000

Had the 4th largest army in Europe

Made nobles officers

Ensured that there was a close bond between him and his higher ranks

One of the best-educated and most cultured monarch in the 18th century

Believed that the king is the first servant of the state

Reforms

Listened to the philosophes

Established a single code of law for all his territories

Granted limited freedom of speech and press

Complete religious tolerance