4. Make Inferences Why was the term "enlightened despot " appropriate to describe rulers such as Joseph II and Catherine the Great?

The term "enlightened despot" is appropriate to describe rulers like Joseph II and Catherine the Great because they embraced certain Enlightenment ideas while maintaining absolute power. They implemented reforms aimed at modernizing and improving their respective states, reflecting Enlightenment principles such as rational governance, religious tolerance, and legal reforms. However, they did not relinquish absolute authority, thus being classified as "despots." The label acknowledges their efforts to apply Enlightenment ideals within the constraints of absolute monarchy.