Enlightened absolutism of Catherine II

The Transition from feudal economy to capitalism in many countries took place against the backdrop of the birth of the ideology of the Enlightenment. In Russia this period during the 60-ies of the XVIII century – the reign of Catherine the great.

Enlightened absolutism – a monarchical government based on the ideology of the Enlightenment. Its main ideas were the following: the person is the highest value his interests above the state; people are equal in rights regardless of social classes; a society needs improving, and a major role to play in this process science and the law. In light of all this popular was the idea of a "philosopher on the throne".

Enlightened absolutism of Catherine was characterized by events in the interests of the state and the ruling class (nobles). They contributed to the development of capitalism in the camp, but did not take into account many of the realities of life of society at that time.

In the first days of his reign, Catherine undertook a series of trips around the country (Rostov, Yaroslavl', the Baltic provinces; drove the Ladoga canal, then along the Volga to Simbirsk). Then she realized that the culture of the people was too low and hurried “darned sharp holes control" (Klyuchevsky).

Enlightened absolutism of Catherine the historians called “Golden age”. The Empress sought to ensure the development of Russian society in an evolutionary way, under the supervision of “narodowego” of the monarch. However, she didn't want to change social structure: the Empire has flourished on the labor of serfs and workers, and the throne relied on the nobility, which is the main bulwark of absolutism.

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An Idea of what to do for the prosperity of the state, the Empress was developed based on ideas gleaned from the works of the European enlightenment.

Catherine tried to neutralize in the country the most unpleasant “the legacy of the past regimes”. She restored and strengthened the state authorities, which was established under Peter the great. The Senate was divided into six departments. Was restored Chief magistrate, Berg-Collegium, the Collegium of manufacturing. The process of centralization continued bureaucratization of management, the liquidation of the Hetmanate in Ukraine.

Enlightened absolutism of Empress based on her personal understanding of issues that had to be addressed. In 1767, convened a Commission to develop a new set of laws. In 1775, the reform was initiated management. Increased the number of provinces. They were headed by governors, and groups from several provinces of the governors - General. Industry, expenses and income became engaged to the Treasury chamber, hospitals and schools - the Order of public charity. From the administration of the Department of courts.

Gradually the whole system of governance has become the uniform of the subordinate governors, then the governors of the Central Committee and finally to the Empress.

In 1779, was signed and published a Decree on the free opening of industrial enterprises. The merchants and craftsmen were certain benefits. Thus in 1785 the nobles were granted “Charter”, which secured their feudal privileges.

So, enlightened absolutism and the program of the Empress was highly controversial. On the one hand, they were characterized by the proclamation of the advanced truths of the enlightenment philosophy, on the other – the preservation of the autocracy, the rule of the nobility and serfdom.

Enlightened absolutism of Catherine II in General had a positive impact on the development of the country has increased its territory, increased population, increased income. However, the situation of the people remained dire. At this time, there is a powerful peasant war headed by E. I. Pugachev. The outstanding issues were not resolved in full. The government remained autocratic and feudal.