Notes from 7/11/08, part 1

Enlightenment

Took on many ideas and movements
Led to new political and scientific theories
“Enlightened Absolutism” in 1700s
Upper classes held salons, spoke French
Rationalism: nothing accepted on faith alone
Belief in progress
Experimental Method: Galileo did tests to prove hypotheses
Empiricism: knowledge from experience and experiments
Cartesian Dualism: matter and mind. The world can be understood through reason

Austrian Absolutism

Gained power under the Austrian Habsburgs and looked to fight the Ottomans
Ottomans grew weaker after powerful rulers died. Millet System allowed for autonomy but also decentralization
Pragmatic Sanction: idea that Habsburg lands should never divide
Habsburgs were Catholic, Hungarians were Protestant, and nobles were a larger and less supportive of the crown

Prussian Absolutism

Brandenburg was militarily weak
Frederick William “The Great Elector” united several provinces into Prussia and built a standing army
Threatened by Louis XIV and warring Russia
Under Frederick William I (1713-1740) power was wrestled from nobles (Junkers) through forced taxation and military rule
“Sparta of the North”

Prussian Enlightenment

Frederick II “The Great” was artistic, not militaristic, but separated war from ideals
Attacked Silesia when Austria's Maria Theresa when she took power.
Allowed religious tolerance, did not rule by “divine right”
Rebuilt infrastructure after Seven Years' War
However, did not give Jews rights or end serfdom

Russia

Economic/Geographic Problems:
-Poor
-Underdeveloped
-Landlocked
-Attempts to get warm-water ports often failed
Unable to trade on westward, warm-water routes, Russians expanded eastward on land
Like the French in Canada, fur trading became an important part of the empire's economy
Trade promoted settlement throughout Siberia and into Alaska

Political Aspects

Greek Orthodox Christians
Dominated by other peoples (the “Mongol Yoke”)
Starting in Moscow, Muscovite princes rapidly began taking over what the Mongols possessed
Tsar:
Word comes from “Caesar.” The Orthodox Church wanted Russia to be the “3rd Rome” of a new Christian Empire
In reality, government was weak and stretched thin
Russia wasn't strong enough to fight Poland, Sweden, or the Ottomans. Sometimes they were even occupied
Siberia was mostly scattered forts

Mikhail Romanov 1613-1645 replaced a weak dynasty
One of the aristocratic elite (“boyars”)
Romanov dynasty begat stronger rulers who consolidated power
Peter the Great
Realized Russia needed a naval presence
Disguised himself to study technology and lifestyles in Europe
Powerful navies
Social tolerance
Less adherence to tradition
Meritocracy
industry

After building a new navy, Peter blockaded the Ottomans on the Black Sea to promote trade
Lost it again in 1713, regained it in 1783
He also fought Sweden for trade routes in the Baltic Sea
Peter connected Russia with Europe in trade and politics
Later, Catharine the Great solidified borders and continued Peter's vision for a stronger, European Russia

Social Aspects

Russia is known for cultural diversity
Cossacks aided in expansion of the empire
Early settlers and soldiers founded eastern towns and forts
Mercenaries from Muscovy area
“They belonged to close-knit bands, were superb riders and fighters, and were feared by both villagers and the legal authorities.”
“As centralized power rose, the freedoms of the peasants fell.”
Serfs were tied to the land, not owned by landowners
Nobles--“plantation owners”--2% of population
Serfs--“slaves”--over 50% of the population

Russian Enlightenment

Catherine the Great
Had her own husband killed
Following Peter the Great, much influenced by Western life and arts
Attempted reforms in education, law, human rights, religion, but kept serfdom to keep down rebellions
Continued Peter's expansion into the Ukraine and Poland