USC Digital Voltaire

1762

The death of Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1709-1762) places the pro-Prussian advocate Czar Peter III (1728-1762) on the throne. Russia withdraws from the war. Although Frederick does not gain additional territory, the ensuing treaty allows him to retain Silesia. The infamous Jean Calas case in Toulouse ignites Voltaire’s anger at religious intolerance. Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) publishes Emile and Du Social Contract which prompts royal orders for his arrest.