In: Economics
What was “Enlightened” about the rule of Catherine the Great; in what ways was her rule un-Enlightened?
Catherine was influenced by the enlightment in many ways. She was very well acquaintated with the French Enlightment ideas. She financialy supported many French writers. She also hoped to have Enightment ideas to rationalize and reform the Russian Empire. Catherine formed the first schools for women and also the first medical school to supply medical insurance for her subjects. She also greatened the laws and rules on the serfs. Catherine imprissioned critics that spoke about serfdom.
Today Catherine played a roll in Enlightment ideas by coming up with medical insurance for people. She also gave people the idea to educate women in schools. She gave people ideas of having literature become an important thing. Catherine abolished torture to criminals and allowed subjects to practice different religions. In addition to all of this she expanded the territory of Russia through war and greed, therefore becoming a great empress of Russia. She used many enlightment ideas to her advantages.
She believed that every man was equal and had to obey the same laws. She believed every person had natural freedom. Also, every man is innocent until proven guilty. She demonstrated some not-so-enlightened concepts too, such as using torture as punishment. After stating every man is equal, she does not offer these rights to serfs and peasants.she never used the laws which had made by herself.She never acted as per enlighten way she thought off.