Absolutism II

Absolute sovereigns rule in Europe in the early 18th century. But the spirit of the Enlightenment brings about change. Such monarchs as Frederick II of Prussia embody a new form of rulership: enlightened absolutism. They see themselves as sovereigns who act according to the principle of reason for the welfare of their subjects and the state. Reforms are intended to fill the state treasury and address social ills. But only the nobility are in power and war is still wielded as a political tool. Frederick is determined to turn Prussia into a great power, whatever the cost. While in Austria, Prussia's fiercest adversary, Emperor Joseph II seeks to achieve popularity as a rational enlightener. This, however, leads to conflict with Maria Theresa, his ambitious and religious mother.

Frederick II of Prussia, later known as Frederick the Great, is a dazzling and contradictory figure - artist and military commander, enlightener and absolute ruler at one and the same time, embodying enlightened absolutism as virtually no other monarch. Already in his youth, Frederick is interested in art and philosophy and abolishes torture immediately upon ascending the throne in 1740. In close contact with such visionaries of the Enlightenment as Voltaire, he seeks to modernise the Prussian state. He ultimately turns Prussia into a great European power through extensive reforms and infrastructure projects - as well as the ruthless deployment of the Prussian army - as in the Silesian wars against Austria.

At 23, Maria Theresa assumes the rulership of a multi-ethnic empire stretching from Austria to the Netherlands and from Italy to Bohemia and Silesia. Of strict Catholic upbringing, her life’s work is devoted to the stability of the Habsburg Empire. The monarch is regarded as self-confident, strong-willed and decisive. Maria Theresa knows full well how to resist attacks on her empire, even though, as a woman, she cannot lead the imperial troops herself. Professing eagerness for reform, she yet remains critical of all modernisation: her ideal is that of an all-powerful sovereign ruling a disciplined, strictly Catholic people and leading her dynasty to new heights of greatness.

18th Century life at court is strictly regimented. Court etiquette must be scrupulously observed and prescribes how courtly society is to dress and behave. For it is a matter of rank and status. Noble ladies throughout Europe wear their gowns and coiffeurs in the French style; with flowing crinoline skirts and showing lots of cleavage. The morning toilette is a complicated ritual and virtually impossible without maidservants. Based on the model of French king Louis XIV, the men wear skirts known as "justaucorps", knee-length breeches and shoes with sumptuously ornamented buckles. Powdered wigs and elaborate make-up are equally "en vogue" with the gentlemen as with the ladies.

In the middle of the Seven Years' War, Leopold IIl Frederick Franz assumes sovereignty over the small principality of Anhalt-Dessau. Wanting to rebuild and reform his country, he also undertakes representative projects. Inspired by a trip to England, Leopold III creates Wörlitzer Park in 1765 - a landscape garden that corresponds to the ideals of the Enlightenment. In contrast to the strict aesthetics of baroque gardens, everything here resembles an artistically-staged wildernes. The grounds serve as a "walk-in educational programme", including a miniature version of the English Iron Bridge and of Mount Vesuvius. In the spirit of the Enlightenment, the park also extols religious tolerance and houses both a Christian church and a Jewish synagogue.