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Enlightened Rulers: The Shift from Absolutism to Enlightenment in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, unlike other European nations, governance was rooted in a Republic with a chosen leader, contrasting the prevalent monarchies ruled by absolutist rulers claiming divine right. Enlightened rulers like Maria Theresa and Joseph II of Austria introduced significant reforms, advocating for religious freedom, state education, and free speech, all while refusing to share power with the people. Joseph II’s rapid reforms included the abolition of serfdom and state-provided healthcare, sparking resistance from conservatives who opposed these progressive changes.

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Enlightened Rulers: The Shift from Absolutism to Enlightenment in the Netherlands

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  1. Paragraph 3.3 Enlightened rulers

  2. 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.

  3. 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)

  4. 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.

  5. Joseph II • Ruled with his mother. • He wanted quick Enlightenment changes. • His mother wanted it gradually. • He made some big changes:

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

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