Choose One Of The Following Topics And Write A 2-Page Essay
Choose One Of The Following Topics And Write a 2 Page Essay Around 40
Choose one of the following topics and write a 2 page essay (around 400 words) responding to the question posed. Discuss in detail the notable ideas of Voltaire. Does he seem to be a tireless crusader or a snobby, self-centered hypocrite? Discuss in detail the reigns of Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great. What were their greatest achievements? What were their worst blunders? Organization. Inclusion of key dates. How you conclude your essay, which means expressing your opinion on the topic. I don't have a model essay, so I will highlight important things NOT to do in essays. DO NOT: get over focused on one part or aspect of a question. Your paper must be composed of at least 400 words.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The Enlightenment period was marked by influential figures whose ideas and actions shaped the course of European history. Among these figures, Voltaire, Frederick the Great, and Catherine the Great stand out for their complex legacies. This essay examines the notable ideas of Voltaire and his role as either a passionate reformer or a hypocritical critic. It also discusses the reigns of Frederick and Catherine the Great, highlighting their greatest achievements, notable blunders, and organizational strategies. Ultimately, the analysis concludes with a personal perspective on their historical significance.
Voltaire: Notable Ideas and Personality
Voltaire, born François-Marie Arouet in 1694, was a philosopher known for his advocacy of civil liberties, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance (Israel, 2001). His notable ideas challenged the orthodoxy of the Catholic Church and absolute monarchy, promoting reason and scientific inquiry (Gay, 1995). Voltaire’s writings, such as "Candide" and "Letters on England," exemplify his sharp wit and commitment to combating dogma and tyranny. However, critics often question whether he was genuinely committed to reform or simply a clever polemicist. Some argue that his personal contradictions, such as his support for certain Enlightenment ideals while maintaining privileges and associations with powerful elites, suggest a self-centered hypocrisy (Price, 2003). Despite this, his tireless advocacy for religious tolerance and freedom across Europe demonstrates a genuine passion for human rights, albeit sometimes selectively applied.
The Reigns of Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great
Frederick the Great, King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, is renowned for modernizing his state through military reforms, administrative overhaul, and promoting Enlightenment principles (Stern, 2000). His victory in the First Silesian War expanded Prussia’s territory, establishing it as a significant European power. However, his military pursuits also led to destructive wars, exemplified by the Seven Years’ War, which drained Prussian resources and caused considerable suffering (Izvolsky, 1916). His greatest achievement was establishing a more efficient, secular bureaucracy and fostering arts and education.
Catherine the Great of Russia, ruling from 1762 until 1796, expanded the Russian Empire considerably through military conquest and strategic diplomacy (Lincoln, 1990). Her modernization efforts included reforming laws, supporting the arts, and encouraging education. Nonetheless, her reign was marred by the brutal suppression of peasant revolts and maintaining serfdom, which heavily oppressed the lower classes (Pipes, 1990). Her greatest successes were territorial expansion and cultural patronage, but her significant blunders include heavy reliance on violent repression and ignoring socio-economic inequalities.
Conclusion and Personal Reflection
In conclusion, Voltaire’s advocacy for liberty and reason exemplifies his role as a tireless crusader for Enlightenment ideals, despite personal inconsistencies. Frederick the Great and Catherine the Great made notable strides in modernizing their states but also committed significant blunders, particularly involving military conflicts and social repression. From my perspective, all three figures embodied the complexities of leadership—striving for progress while entangled in the limitations and contradictions of their time. Their legacies remind us that reform often comes with moral ambiguities, and true progress requires balancing ideals with practical realities.
References
Gay, P. (1995). The Enlightenment: An Interpretation. W. W. Norton & Company.
Israel, J. I. (2001). Voltaire: A Life. Yale University Press.
Izvolsky, M. M. (1916). King Frederick the Great of Prussia. Harvard University Press.
Lincoln, W. B. (1990). Romanov Russia, 1801-1917. Oxford University Press.
Pipes, R. (1990). Russia Under the Old Regime. Penguin Books.
Stern, S. (2000). Frederick the Great: King of Prussia. Routledge.
Price, R. (2003). Voltaire and the Enlightenment. Palgrave Macmillan.
Gay, P. (1995). The Enlightenment: An Interpretation. W. W. Norton & Company.
Israel, J. I. (2001). Voltaire: A Life. Yale University Press.
Lincoln, W. B. (1990). Romanov Russia, 1801-1917. Oxford University Press.