Which of the following would best explain Frederick the Great's attitude toward the nobility?

Which of the following would best explain Frederick the Great's attitude toward the nobility?

• A. He believed that the peasantry had a sense of honor as strong as the nobility's
• B. He believed that the nobility had a sense of honor, but the peasantry did not
• C. He supported the spread of Enlightenment ideals that undermined nobles' privileges
• D. He feared that oppressing the peasants would bring a revolution similar to France's

Answer: (B)

Frederick the Great's attitude toward the nobility is best encapsulated by the belief that they possessed a strong sense of honor, whereas he regarded the peasantry as lacking this same quality. He saw the nobility as essential to the functioning of his state and relied on them for support and governance. This perspective was rooted in the societal hierarchy of the time, which esteemed the nobility's contributions to military and administrative affairs. Frederick granted favor and privileges to the nobility, recognizing their role in maintaining order and authority within his realm. While Frederick did promote some Enlightenment reforms, such as fostering a more centralized and modern state, his overarching view remained aligned with the traditional hierarchy that valued nobility. He did not primarily fear that a lack of respect for the peasantry would lead to revolution, nor did he advocate for the peasantry in a manner that undermined the noble class. Thus, the statement that he believed the nobility had a sense of honor, while believing the peasantry did not, accurately reflects his complex relationship with the class structures of his time.

Frederick the Great's attitude toward the nobility is best encapsulated by the belief that they possessed a strong sense of honor, whereas he regarded the peasantry as lacking this same quality. He saw the nobility as essential to the functioning of his state and relied on them for support and governance. This perspective was rooted in the societal hierarchy of the time, which esteemed the nobility's contributions to military and administrative affairs. Frederick granted favor and privileges to the nobility, recognizing their role in maintaining order and authority within his realm.

While Frederick did promote some Enlightenment reforms, such as fostering a more centralized and modern state, his overarching view remained aligned with the traditional hierarchy that valued nobility. He did not primarily fear that a lack of respect for the peasantry would lead to revolution, nor did he advocate for the peasantry in a manner that undermined the noble class. Thus, the statement that he believed the nobility had a sense of honor, while believing the peasantry did not, accurately reflects his complex relationship with the class structures of his time.