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Joseph II

Joseph II

1741 CE1790 CE · Vienna, Austria

Joseph II was Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 and sole ruler of the Habsburg lands from the death of his mother Maria Theresa in 1780 until his own death in 1790. A leading exponent of enlightened absolutism, he pursued sweeping reforms, including the abolition of serfdom, the Edict of Toleration extending rights to religious minorities, and the reorganization of the church and administration. Many of his measures met strong resistance from nobles, clergy, and provinces, and several were reversed after his death. He was succeeded by his brother, Leopold II.

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Stop 1 of 1Seat Of Power

Vienna, Austria

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In Vienna, Austria at the same time

Maria Theresa, Klemens von Metternich

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The world in their lifetime

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