Major Reforms of the Enlightenment - Essay Example

To start with, Frederic II initiated significant administrative, social, and economical reforms in Prussia. Firstly, Frederic II promoted enlightened absolutism where rulers were encouraged to make decisions based on enlightenment hence promoting rationality in the formulation of rules. Through enlightened absolutism, Frederic II was able to modernize the Prussian civil society by reforming religious policies, and the judicial system and supporting arts and philosophers. Through these reforms, Prussian society witnessed toleration of religious diversity, incorporation of the noble category into the judicial system, and economic growth since the noble stock could work at senior administrative levels and generate income.

On the other hand, Joseph II also promoted the use of enlightened absolutism during his tenure. His leadership was aimed at making everybody in Habsburg lands to be satisfied despite the different social classes that existed. For instance, Joseph II implemented a program that gave the peasant class of people freedom from slavery.  Joseph II also initiated legal reforms where he banned brutal punishments, and the death penalty and initiated equal treatment for all offenders. In addition, Joseph II introduced religious policies that tolerated the diversity of religions in his region. Of more importance, Joseph II promoted education by making it compulsory for young boys and girls to attend school. Further, Joseph II formulated a foreign policy that promoted the expansion of his territory through the colonization of other regions and trade. This meant that society benefited in terms of increased resources from other regions.

In conclusion, both Frederic II and Joseph II are said to have been enlightened leaders because their leadership incorporated principles of enlightenment. As a result, members of societies under their leadership benefited significantly.