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Born
Joseph Von Habsburg was born in Vienna, Austria. His mother, Maria Theresa was the ruler of the Habsburg empire. His father, Francis I, was the Holy Roman Emperor. At a young age, Joseph knew that he would take power as the new Holy Roman Emperor. He would soon be an absolute ruler. -
Power Shared
When Francis I died, Joseph II and Theresa shared power between each other. During this time his mother made expansions in education. Being a disciple of Enlightenment, Joseph wanted to reform the religion. -
The Enlightened Despot
Joseph's main goal was to make the empire secure and economically advanced. He wanted his empire to be efficient so that it could be secure. His reforms were questioned by his nobles. -
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Josephinism
Joseph II created a collection of reforms known as Josephinism during his reign between 1780 through 1790. Joseph wanted to change the way education and economics were viewed in the Habsburg Empire. However, his collection of reforms were denied by priests and nobles. -
After His Mother's Death
After Maria's death in 1780, Joseph finally became the absolute ruler of the Habsburg empire. Joseph put an average 690 decrees every year including ideas such as limiting powers of the Catholic Church and decreasing political views. Back then Maria Theresa did not think these decrees were not right. -
Patent of Tolerance
Religous tolerance was important to Joseph II. He limited the power of the Catholic Church. The Patent of Tolerance enabled Greeks, Protestants, and Jews to worship and practice there religion freely. -
The Serfdom Patent
The Serfdom Patent was a list of reforms that allowed Jews religious tolerance. However, these Jews must behave and obey the Holy Roman Emperor. If they behaved, they would receive protection from authority. -
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Reducing the Catholic Church's Power
During Joseph II's reign, he reduced the power of the Catholic Church. He closed 700 monasteries and decreased the number of monks to 27000 and was originally 65000. In addition, Joseph II reduced bishops power. -
Dispute with Belgium and Hungary
During his last year of his absolute reign, Joseph II experienced issues. People in Hungary disputed against his reforms because they thought they needed more freedom. In order to keep power and land in Hungary, Joseph decided to give up his reforms. -
Died
February 20, 1790, was when Joseph II died. He wasn't remembered and wasn't a "role model" figure due to his reforms and ideas. He died in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna. His brother did not even visit his bedside.
