Enlightened Despotism

Government changing: many rulers wanted to make government function more effectively, strengthen the economy and strengthen military power by implementing enlightenment reasoning. Monarchy still had virtually all power but now it wanted to foster prosperity and social progress great responsibility

Common Threads
1 - Laws:
Laws still differed from region to region needed a single code of law All People and institutions (including the church) were subject to the same laws no one was exempt Idea that punishments should fit the crime torture was restricted and prisons were reformed Privileges of the nobility and serfdom kept the same

2 - Church:
Religious institutions vs. the civil institution o Civil leadership wanted religion to conform to civil policy Southern Europe had a strong attack on the Church o Jesuits were first under attack expelled from Portugal in 1759, Spain in 1766

3 - Economy:
Promoted creation of state factories to introduce new industries and improve existing ones Wanted to import foreign artisans to learn their best skills Created monopoly companies for colonial trade (wine, tobacco, salt, coffee, etc.) o Goal was to make monarchies stronger and more powerful

The Fine Arts

o Since Louis XIV, Classicism dominated the visual arts in the 17th & 18th century. ancient past was admired and a source of beauty o Paintings focused on external nature that was static and harmonious. Many painted scenes from classical mythology, the bible o Rococo Art: modification of the Baroque movement. Appealed to the senses rather than the mind stressing imagination of the creative artist more asymmetrical methods of fragile movement were implemented. o Neoclassicism was most popular until the French Revolution (ex: Jacques-Louis Davids work applies to civic duty and family)

History & the Enlightenment

o Historical studies grew during the enlightenment. Past was seen as a source of wisdom and inspiration + good way to learn about humanity. o Could learn about good & evil & offer an approach to improving o Reason, tolerance + moderation were key during this period o Effect of the enlightenment:

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Europe more rational government, standardization, free markets, better training for officials, open justice, end to judicial torture Weakened some traditional forms of belief Catholic countries: enlightenment was enemy of faith

Music In The Eighteenth Century

o Divided into two sections: first half = baroque, second = emergence of classicism o Reflected wealth and power of those who commissioned it o Baroque masters Bach, Handel o Meant to arouse emotions by complex logic, unifying themes and variations; typical forms fugue, prelude, the cantata o Handel = master of opera (most popular entertainment for both aristocrats and common people) o A director of the Royal Academy of Music o Four masters in development of classical style were Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven o During this time orchestra was developed, symphonies composed o Smaller groups preformed chamber music reflected private atmosphere of salons o Ex: String quartets, woodwind octets, concerto