declarative statements of Catherine the Great had a rather sharp contrast to its ongoing realpolitik.In an era of government, of course, the Empress taken steps that were aimed at "humanizing and Europeanization" of life in Russia.However, according to some historians, amid growing enslavement of peasants and gentry in the framework of the dictatorship of her desire to look ambiguous.
Catherine II ascended the throne without having the actual rights to it.The future Empress was a foreigner.Having managed to tip the Guards regiments on his side, Catherine was able to remove the power of law to accept Peter III.The Empress was well aware that her accession to the throne happened solely by the actions of the Guard, and each guard, feeling her personal merit, could claim the policy, appropriate and protect the interests of the nobility - the representatives of this class is made up of the shelf.
Activities Empress went down in history as "the policy of enlightened absolutism Catherine 2", which was based on the idea of the Enlightenment in France, which provides the reign of "sage on the throne."This idea of "an alliance of philosophers and rulers" was developed in different countries.The role of "wise ruler" performed Gustav third Swedish, Frederick II of Prussia, Joseph II of Austria, Charles the Third Spanish.In Russia, the "enlightened ruler" was Catherine II.For
era was characterized by a certain ideology, which had special features.The policy of enlightened absolutism assumes equality of people, a society of prosperity for all.In the basis of the reform should be based on fair laws.The policy of enlightened absolutism implies the existence of the social contract and the establishment of mutual obligations and the subjects of the ruler.Public administration was carried out with the recognition of freedom of expression, thought, speech.Education is also one of the most important functions of the state, while at the same time, a specific method of training subjects.
In the era of the reign of Russian Empress historians identify three areas.Features of Russian absolutism, according to historians, manifested primarily in an effort to create a more attractive image of the country and the Empress herself outside the state.Thus, one of the priorities was to strengthen the authority of the ruler of power in the world and the desire to expand the empire.
aim pursued by Catherine policy was also calm the views of the country and the states of Western Europe over its illegal seizure of power.In addition, Russian society instills the idea of humanity and justice acts ruler.
Catherine II tried to liberalize the ways of governance, given the advanced ideas of the era.Another activity was the ruler of the administrative reform, in which the management of the field brought nobility.
policy of enlightened absolutism at its first stage, contributed to a clear definition of the relationship of forces.At the same time no major changes have happened.The second stage of Catherine's reign was marked by certain transformations.Reforms were not so radical as expected, however, significantly strengthen and expand a new way in the country of the Western type.
should be noted that Catherine II did not have time to implement all planned.However, the Empress left the country in better shape than it has received.The policy of enlightened absolutism contributed to a significant increase in population, the growth of government revenues.In addition, the banking system has been formed, to expand production.
