Joseph II of Austria, Catherine II of Russia, and Frederic II of Prussia all made reforms and changes that were ideas of the Enlightenment. They all wanted to further their country and increase the people's rights. They were called Enlightened Despots and were rulers who tried to justify their absolute rule by getting the people's interest. They did this through good laws, fair taxes, improving society, and overall promoting human happiness. Philosophers like Voltaire encouraged and even instructed these enlightened despots. Voltaire believed change had to come from above, the monarchs, and not from the people. The enlightened rules of Prussia, Russia, and Austria were able to combine their need for an effective monarch with the need for economic, educational, and social reform. Some of the most noted enlightened despots were Joseph II of Austria, Catherine II of Russia, and Frederick the Great of Prussia.
             Frederick the Great was King of Prussia and invited Voltaire to his court to find knowledge about how to rule his people in Enlightened ways. Frederick made many social reforms that were toward Enlightenment ideals. He did away with the torture system of accused criminals. He improved the educational system and provided education to almost everybody. Education was a major idea in the Enlightenment and was supposed to be observed. Toleration and freedom of religion were very important. Voltaire was especially strong in his position about freedom of religion and toleration. He wrote many books about it, like Candide. Frederick allowed his subjects to believe in whatever religion they desired. Frederick promoted industry, agriculture, and commerce. With the assistance of French experts, he reorganized the system of indirect taxes, which soon provided the state with more revenue than it had made with direct tax. Frederick actively promoted economic development. He encouraged expansion in Silesia and elsewhere. Tariffs were imposed t...