The Age of Enlightenment

            First we need to understand the definition of "enlightenment" and interpret the eighteenth century's conception of enlightenment. Enlightenment, according to Webster's dictionary means "a great moral and intellectual advancement". Philosophers, known during the eighteenth century as philosophes, were the key to this success. Monarchs believed that by gaining or accepting enlightenment ideas granted them the opportunity to become more modern or powerful nation which gained influence over their subjects. Prior to the age of enlightenment, these monarchs ruled under the guise of holy doctrines, such as the bible, in a Christian society. The enlightenment period gave the monarchs opportunity to rule for the good of the people and not necessarily the divine will of God although the concept of a hierarchy system was still imposed. Ergo, it wouldn't be hard to say that enlightenment could have been a key factor in the development of a secularized society. .
             Upon reading the memoranda, essays, and letters from Catherine the Great, King Empress Maria Theresa, and Frederick the Great I believe that a certain degree of enlightenment has taken place. Although, each ruling despot at this time did not fully implement the ideas of enlightenment with their social, judicial, and military practices, they did admire the ideas of the enlightenment and what concepts of modernization enlightenment brought forth. Therefore, they have not fully understood that enlightenment was supposed to be the idea of free thinking, understanding, and to the courage to use your understanding and implement new ideas that would be beneficial to all. These monarchs were not enlightened at all.
             By the eighteenth century, monarchs in central Europe and Russia were called "enlightened" because of their willingness to accept and adapt to the new wave of the "enlightened" thinker and the philosophes ideas of philosophy, science, techniques and technology.