![]() ![]() During his reign, Joseph put forth an average of 690 decrees a year. When Maria Theresa died in 1780, Joseph became the absolute ruler of the Habsburg domains and enacted many reforms that his mother had refused to consider. But Maria Theresa objected to the idea of religious tolerance and refused to institute reforms that Joseph, a disciple of the Enlightenment, desperately wanted. His mother made some changes that Joseph supported, such as an expansion of elementary education in the 1770s. In foreign matters, Joseph's attempt to exchange part of the Austrian Netherlands for Bavaria was undermined by Frederick II of Prussia.Īlthough Joseph was co-regent, Maria Theresa maintained control of the empire. With his father's death, Joseph also became his mother's co-regent, and took over the handling of the army and foreign affairs. In 1765, after his father died, Joseph became Joseph II, Holy Roman emperor. As the firstborn son, Joseph spent his childhood knowing he would grow up to take the reins of power. His father, Francis I, held the title of Holy Roman emperor. His mother, Maria Theresa, was the ruler of the Habsburg empire. On March 13, 1741, in Vienna, Austria, Habsburg heir Joseph (baptized as Joseph Benedict Augustus Johann Anton Michael Adam) was born. Joseph died in Vienna on February 20, 1790, at the age of 48. During his time in power, Joseph issued decrees that promoted equality and education, but the speed and scope of his reforms led to problems for him and his empire. Future Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II became co-regent with his mother, Maria Theresa, in 1765, and sole ruler in 1780.
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