transition from feudal way to capitalism in many countries took place against the background of the birth of the ideology of the Enlightenment.In Russia this period was in the 60s of the XVIII century - the reign of Catherine the Great.
enlightened absolutism - the monarchy is based on the ideology of the Enlightenment.Its main ideas were as follows: a person is the highest value, his interests above the state;people are equal in their rights regardless of the classes;Society needs to be improved, and a major role to play in this science and the law.In light of all this has become a popular idea of "philosopher on the throne".
Enlightened absolutism of Catherine was characterized by the implementation of measures in the interests of the state and the ruling class (the nobility).They contributed to the development of capitalism in the camp, but does not take into account many of the realities of the life of society at the time.
Already in the first days of his reign, Catherine made a number of trips around the country (Rostov, Yaroslavl, the Baltic province, drove on the Ladoga Canal, then up the Volga Simbirsk).Then she realized that the culture of the people was too low and hurried "mend holes sharp management" (Klyuchevskii).
Enlightened absolutism of Catherine historians have called the "golden age."Empress sought to ensure the development of Russian society in an evolutionary way, under the supervision of "narodolyubivogo" monarch.However, she did not want to change the social order: the empire flourished at the expense of the labor of the serf peasants and workers, and the throne relied on the nobility, is the main stronghold of absolutism.
idea of what you need to do for the prosperity of the state, the Empress formed on the basis of the ideas gleaned from the works of the European Enlightenment.
Catherine tried to neutralize the country's most unpleasant "legacy of previous regimes."She regained and strengthened the state bodies that have been created under Peter the First.The Senate was divided into six departments.There were restored chief magistrate, Berg-board, board of Manufactures.The process of centralization continued bureaucratization of control, liquidation of Hetman Ukraine.
enlightened absolutism of the Empress was based on its own understanding of the issues that should be addressed.In 1767, the Commission was convened to develop a new code of laws.In 1775, management reform was initiated.The number of provinces.They are headed by a governor, and a group of several provinces - governors-general.Industry, expenditures and revenues began to occupy the Exchequer, hospitals and schools - Order of public charity.From Courts Administration Departments.
Gradually, the whole system of governance became uniform, the subordinate governors, then their governors, the central colleagues and, finally, to the Empress.
In 1779 was signed and published a decree on the opening of the free enterprise industry.Merchants and artisans receive certain benefits.Thus in 1785 the nobles were granted "Letters patent", which cemented their feudal privileges.
Thus enlightened absolutism of the Empress and the program has a very contradictory.On the one hand, they are characterized by the proclamation of the truths of advanced educational philosophy, on the other - preservation of autocracy, domination of the nobility and serfdom.
Enlightened absolutism of Catherine II in general had a positive impact on the development of the country: its territory grew, increased population, increased budget revenues.However, the situation of the people remained the same plight.At this time it is necessary a powerful peasant war led by EI Pugachev.Pressing issues have not been resolved in full.States remain autocratic and feudal.
