The Enlightenment, also known as the “Age of Reason”, was an intellectual phenomenon characterized by, “empirical reasoning and critical thought” with the primary focus of benefiting the greater common good (Voltaire). Being one of the most prominent enlightened absolutists, Joseph II of Austria was one of the few rulers to consistently apply humanity and reason to govern his nation. Joseph II was noted for his unconventional reforms and decrees that permitted religious tolerance, social equality, and reconstruction of the church. Although his reforms did little to promote life in his kingdom, they left a lasting precedent over enlightened Europe.
Joseph born on March 13, 1741 in Vienna, Austria, grew up knowing he would be the Habsburg …show more content…
While he establishes these reforms, nobles and clergy felt threatened by ideas they considered radical. This caused many of Joseph’s reforms to fail because he underestimated the vested interests he would upset (Kors 546). In one instance, the Hungarian nobility ousted a series of Joseph's decrees because they would have tremendously affected their incomes. When Joseph abolished serfdom in 1781, he faced resistance from both nobles and peasants. Under the new reform, peasants were to be paid in cash. The peasantry rejected and revolted against this because their simple barter system lacked money. Seeing the immense freedom being granted to the rest of the empire, Austrian Netherlands rebelled and sought sovereignty (Powell 358). By 1790, much of Joseph’s domain contained turmoil. In order to maintain his empire's power, Joseph repealed a majority of his reforms. He died believing that his reforms weakened his empire instead of strengthening it. However, Joseph's strong support for religious tolerance created a precedent over Europe. Furthermore, Joseph's idea of social equality necessitated the demand for an end to serfdom and feudalism.
In conclusion, Joseph II’s reforms, although not beneficial at time, truly helped further human society through their enlightened concepts. Even with the immense backlash Joseph faced, he still asserted to his nobility “I do not need your consent for doing good”(Kors 547). Greatly showing the commitment to the prosperity of his empire the “People's Emperor” possessed (Byers
Joseph born on March 13, 1741 in Vienna, Austria, grew up knowing he would be the Habsburg …show more content…
While he establishes these reforms, nobles and clergy felt threatened by ideas they considered radical. This caused many of Joseph’s reforms to fail because he underestimated the vested interests he would upset (Kors 546). In one instance, the Hungarian nobility ousted a series of Joseph's decrees because they would have tremendously affected their incomes. When Joseph abolished serfdom in 1781, he faced resistance from both nobles and peasants. Under the new reform, peasants were to be paid in cash. The peasantry rejected and revolted against this because their simple barter system lacked money. Seeing the immense freedom being granted to the rest of the empire, Austrian Netherlands rebelled and sought sovereignty (Powell 358). By 1790, much of Joseph’s domain contained turmoil. In order to maintain his empire's power, Joseph repealed a majority of his reforms. He died believing that his reforms weakened his empire instead of strengthening it. However, Joseph's strong support for religious tolerance created a precedent over Europe. Furthermore, Joseph's idea of social equality necessitated the demand for an end to serfdom and feudalism.
In conclusion, Joseph II’s reforms, although not beneficial at time, truly helped further human society through their enlightened concepts. Even with the immense backlash Joseph faced, he still asserted to his nobility “I do not need your consent for doing good”(Kors 547). Greatly showing the commitment to the prosperity of his empire the “People's Emperor” possessed (Byers