Which Enlightened despot is known for temporarily abolishing serfdom?

Joseph II of Austria is recognized as the Enlightened despot who took significant steps toward social and political reform, including the temporary abolition of serfdom in the late 18th century. He believed in promoting the welfare of his subjects and sought to implement various progressive policies, influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

In 1781, he issued a decree that aimed to improve the conditions of serfs and ultimately sought to eliminate serfdom in the Austrian Empire entirely. His intentions were to modernize the state and improve economic productivity by granting greater freedom to peasants, thus embodying the principles of rational governance and individual rights that were hallmarks of Enlightenment thought.

Catherine the Great, despite her own reforms, ultimately decided not to abolish serfdom, while Frederick the Great did implement some reforms but did not abolish serfdom outright either. Louis XIV, known for his absolute rule, was more focused on consolidating power than on reforms that catered to the welfare of the peasantry. Therefore, Joseph II's actions distinguish him as the one who most directly addressed the issue of serfdom.