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Enlightened despots were kings and queens who tried to incorporate the ideas of the Enlightenment into their rule, while keeping their traditional powers. Enlightened despots such as Frederick II of Prussia and Maria Theresa of Austria tried to improve areas such as farming, industry, and education. They were also patrons of the arts and began many humanitarian reforms, like abolishing the use of torture. Maria Theresa's son, Joseph II, was considered the most radical of the enlightened despots because of the extreme changes he made when he came to power in 1780. (Image: Courtesy of Wikipedia) Joseph II abolished serfdom, made taxes equal for both nobles and peasants, and granted freedom of the press to writers. He also confiscated Catholic Church property and used the money to build hospitals. His actions ultimately failed because he angered too many people. Nobles rebelled against him and he was forced to cancel many of these changes.
