about Joseph II of Austria

 

 

Question: Write about Joseph II of Austria?

Ans:  Joseph II 1765 – 1790. Joseph II was born in Hapsburg royal family on 13-March-1741, in Vienna, Austria.

Parents: Father – Francis I                  Mother: Maria Theresa.

Historians consider him as the greatest enlighten despots.

 

            Joseph II had immense love towards his state and people. Joseph II once said “Philosophy is the legislative head of my state. Its logic will completely change the fate of Austria”.

            Joseph II reception of common people: Joseph II made his best efforts to develop common people. Serfdom was banned by Joseph II. Joseph II re-altered the social order. Slavery was banned by him. Joseph II opined that “it is injustice 200 serfs sacrificing their flesh and blood and giving lazy landlord more than what he actually needed”. From this we get clarity about his empathy towards serfs.

 

Centralised Administration: To bring the people of various religions under one roof, Joseph II suspended ‘Diet’ and empire was divided into 13 states. These 13 states were further subdivided into Counties and Townships.

 

Judicial Reforms: Joseph II introduced the best judicial reforms. In the name of ‘Edicts of Toleration’, Joseph II granted freedom to common people in 1781. With this Catholics lost their privileges. 

            There are instances that his reforms caused pain to some sections of people.

            A. St. Stephen Crown, which was highly revered by Hungarians, was brought to Austria by Joseph II. This act was resented by Hungarians. Joseph II had clarity about consequences of his actions and never backed to take blame for the good of majority of people. He said ‘I am responsible for my miseries’.

            B. By his death in 1790, Joseph II repealed all his reforms. Joseph II suggested to write the words, ‘Here lies Joseph II, who failed in all he undertook.’ Though he introduced reforms with good intension, they all met with failure.