To What Extent Did Fredrick The Great Carry Out The Principles Of The Enlightenment?

Although he maintained close relations with Voltaire and was well aware of the principles of the Enlightenment, he did little to implement the ideas he claimed to agree with. Indeed, some historians have argued that Frederick ignored the German Enlightenment altogether. This can be seen in his love and admiration for the French language and culture, and in his dislike for the Prussian population.

However, it is safe to say that Frederick was the most tolerant ruler of his time. He formed the most efficient and modern civil service in European history, although it was under strict control. Frederick can also claim to have reformed the Prussian legal system according to the Enlightenment. Although there were some areas of policy where he seemed to be Enlightened, other aspects of his rule were full of contradictions. For instance, Frederick claimed that the institution of serfdom was unjust but then made no proper attempt to abolish it. Nevertheless, he was able to retain the admiration of the philosophes until the end of his life.

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