Enlightened absolutism

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/enlightened-absolutism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical epoch?Primarily the 18th century and extending into the early 19th century
2. What is the ideological foundation?Synthesis of absolute monarchy with Enlightenment principles of reason and progress
3. Why did kings want to be super‑smart rulers?They believed that because they were very smart and chosen by God, they could make good decisions for everyone, so they wanted to be super‑smart rulers.
4. How did enlightened absolutists change laws?They made new laws, stopped cruel punishments, let people learn more, and tried to make the government fairer, all from the top of the government.

Enlightenment: An 18th-century intellectual and cultural movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and human rights.
Absolute Monarchy: A form of government where a single ruler, typically a king or queen, holds supreme and unchecked power.
Despotism: A system of government in which a ruler holds absolute power and exercises it cruelly or oppressively.
Paternalism: The policy or practice on the part of people in authority of restricting the freedom and responsibilities of those subordinate to them in their supposed best interest.