The Period of Enlightenment in Prussia II

“The Enlightenment, the intellectual movement which advocated reason as the primary basis of authority” (Wikipidia). In Prussia, Frederick II was great ruler who was largely influenced by the Enlightenment. For example, he began encouraging religious freedom; an idea by Voltaire. A strict Calvinist, Frederick II showed his passion for religious freedom by building a Roman Catholic cathedral in Berlin. In addition, he was a strong believer in freedom of expression, also an idea by Voltaire. He proved this by not limiting the number of newspapers and books published in Prussia. Frederick II also made improvements in government during the Enlightenment. In the legal department Frederick II turned to the ideas of Beccaria and abolished torture.