A Comparision Of Joseph II Of France, And Fredrick The Great Of Prussia
Submitted by on January 1, 2001
Category: Biographies
Words: 417 | Pages: 2
Views: 400
Popularity Rank: 421
Report this Essay
JOIN OR LOGIN TO VIEW THE ENTIRE ESSAY. IT'S FREE!
Compare Joe II/Fred the Great
The age of Enlightenment can most easily be defined as a time of significant progress in Europe. The leaders which fall into this category of being philosophes are known as enlightened despots. However, this did not necessarily mean that each leader felt the same way about what would contribute to most progress to their country. Joseph II of France, and Fredrick the Great of Prussia, are prime examples of these differences.
First, Joseph the II felt that the best way to improve the conditions in his country were to end them, not just improve them. Joseph was very compassionate towards the lower class, and he abolished serfdom. Unlike his mother, he made taxes equal for everyone, regardless of class stature. Also, he believed in fair punishment. “He insisted on equal punishment for equal crimes whatever the status of the...