WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -An “enlightened despot, ‘’ he sought to introduce administrative, legal, economic, and ecclesiastical reforms-with only measured success.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Enlightened Despot Joseph’s reforms included abolishing serfdom, ending press censorship and limiting the power of the Catholic Church. And with his Edict of Toleration, Joseph gave minority religions, such as Protestants, Greek Orthodox and Jews, the ability to live and worship more freely.

Detailed explanation-3: -Joseph II is one of the best-known representatives of Enlightened Absolutism. As a monarch he was indebted to the ideas of Enlightenment rationalism and implemented numerous reforms in the Habsburg Monarchy, some of them far-reaching, in the name of ‘usefulness’.

Detailed explanation-4: -Strongly influenced by the ideas of Joseph von Sonnenfels, his rule was based on a system of “benevolent despotism"; his paramount belief was in the power of the state when directed by reason and his main aims religious toleration, unrestricted trade and education, and a reduction in the power of the Church.