Overall, the rulers of Prussia and Austria showed a high degree of receptiveness to Enlightenment ideas and implemented reforms to modernize their empires. Many of their rulers such as Frederick the Great of Prussia and Joseph II of Austria were recognized as enlightened despots and introduced measures and reforms such as the abolition of torture, introduction of religious toleration, and promotion of arts and sciences. This openness to Enlightenment ideas helped to transform those territories into some of the most prosperous, stable, and culturally developed regions in Europe during the 18th century.