How did the enlightened despots differ from their predecessors and change European Monarchies?

Enlightened Despots were usually Absolute Monarchs though they allowed their peoples some rights like freedom of the press and freedom of religion. Good examples are Bourbon restoration poster child Louis XVIII and Catherine the Great. Enlightened Despotism was a reaction to the Enlightenment and the influence of the revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries - even Absolutist regimes had to give more freedom to their peoples if they hoped to stave off revolution.