Joseph II (1741–1790), Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 and ruler of the Habsburg lands from 1780, was a key figure of enlightened absolutism. His reign was marked by extensive reforms aimed at modernizing the empire, in contrast to the more conservative approach of his mother, Maria Theresa. However, Joseph’s reforms faced significant resistance, ultimately limiting their long-term success.
Key Reforms and Policies:
- Social Reforms: Joseph II’s Serfdom Patent (1781) sought to abolish traditional serfdom by granting basic civil liberties, such as freedom to marry, move, and work. While partially implemented, especially in German-speaking regions, many areas, such as Hungary, resisted. Full abolition of serfdom occurred only in 1848, long after Joseph’s reign.
- Religious Reforms: Joseph’s Patent of Toleration (1781) and Edict of Tolerance (1782) granted religious freedom to Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and Jews, a significant departure from his mother’s policies. These reforms allowed non-Catholics to practice their faith and access education and professions, though Jewish assimilation into German culture was also encouraged.
- Education and Public Health: Joseph built on his mother’s initiatives by making elementary education compulsory and promoting medical reforms, including the establishment of Vienna’s General Hospital. However, his controversial decision to replace Latin with German as the language of instruction in schools provoked widespread opposition in the multilingual empire.
- Legal and Administrative Reforms: Joseph sought to centralize governance and modernize the legal system. He abolished brutal punishments, reduced the use of the death penalty, and promoted the equality of treatment before the law. His efforts to centralize bureaucracy, streamline taxation, and impose German as the official language of administration were met with strong resistance.
- Religious Control: Joseph’s attempts to modernize the Catholic Church by reducing its power over governance and making it subservient to the state sparked intense opposition. He closed many monasteries and redefined marriage as a civil contract, further alienating the Church.
Joseph’s reign was marked by idealistic but often heavy-handed reforms, contrasting with his mother’s more pragmatic approach. His commitment to Enlightenment ideals—while revolutionary—proved too radical for many, and much of his work was undone after his death. Nonetheless, Joseph II remains an important figure in the history of enlightened absolutism.
