Enlightened absolutism in Russia

At a certain stage in the development of European countries, a specific form of government arose , which is called "enlightened absolutism." The ideas of the Enlightenment had a great influence on the formation and development of enlightened absolutism.

Enlightened absolutism in Russia tried to resist such problems as class inequality, the excessive role of the church in the ideological area, the arbitrariness of power. Enlightened absolutism relied primarily on the principle of "natural rights" rights, such as equality, freedom, the right to private property.

Enlightened absolutism presupposed a reformation that would lead to the rule of "reasonable law" under the leadership of "enlightened monarchs". Enlightened absolutism in Russia assumed the realization of the ideal of "public good", i.e. Economic well-being, the security of peoples and social harmony.

When in Europe the principles of enlightened absolutism dominated, in Russia the supreme power sought to modernize the country, develop trade and progress in industry. It became obvious the need to bring the management system in line with the world level and the "spirit of the times". This was to strengthen the unlimited power of the monarch.

Enlightened absolutism in Russia was used as a way to resolve social confrontations and reduce tension in the lower strata of the population.

In addition, at that time Russia claimed the main role in the international arena, so Catherine II actively used words and beliefs, not violence.

But enlightened absolutism in Russia was tried to implement on unprepared soil. The society is not yet ripe for the adoption of such beliefs and their implementation. There were no spiritual prerequisites for the transition to such a system of government. The bulk of the population was unenlightened, the national bourgeoisie was virtually non-existent, patriarchy reigned in society. The development of society was hampered by the very nature of the government. The complete control of the monarch over all manifestations of public life, which did not want to give up any part of his own power, led to the fact that enlightened absolutism in Russia was extremely controversial.

There is an opinion that with the help of this move Catherine II tried to mislead Europe. To hide the true nature of her power - that was the purpose. Catherine II and enlightened absolutism are a combination of pro-Russian government and liberal ideas.

Catherine II was the central figure of enlightened absolutism. In many ways, this policy was an expression of their own views and qualities of the empress. It was a continuation of the progressive activities of Peter I, attempts to strengthen Russian power.

Catherine II was an outstanding historical figure. She directed great efforts to study Russia: she actively taught the language, history and traditions. At the same time she was interested in the ideas of the French Enlightenment. Some of them found a sincere response to the Russian Empress. Therefore, the features of absolutism in Russia are closely related to her personality.

Catherine II understood perfectly well that the nobility would not sacrifice their rights and property, but at the same time condemned serfdom. As a result, fearing for her own safety and power, the empress made a choice in favor of a successful kingdom, and not the achievement of liberal goods. As a result, these measures in Russia were tied to strengthen the autocracy through the modernization of the management system. At the same time, the rights of the nobility expanded uncontrollably, it was steadily turning into a genuinely enlightened class. With the help of a set of measures in Russia, European culture and education extended. The authority of Russia abroad has been steadily growing.