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Enlightened despotism is defined as the theory that a ruler should rule in such a way as to efficiently better the lives of the people and the state. This theory comes from the enlightenment itself, and was a social revolution in terms of government. Rulers such as Maria Theresa of Austria, and Catherine the Great all worked toward the betterment of society, at times using their absolute rule to enforce this system of improvement. Napoleon …

…can be said that Napoleon Bonaparte possessed many ruthless characteristics, namely the jingoistic attitude toward foreign relations, evidenced in his conflicts with Austria, Russia and Prussia. However, this, and the totalitarian attitude that he was not indebted to a higher power for his rule was balanced out by the civic and social improvements enacted in France. This dichotomy allows the title of “enlightened despot” to be applied most accurately to the French leader Napoleon Bonaparte.