Joseph II 1741-1790

Background He was the oldest son of Maria Theresa He became Holy Roman Emperor in 1765 when his father died Had total control when his mother died in 1780 He was also an enlightened despot

Achievements In 1781, Joseph II declared the Patent of Tolerance, which gave religious freedom Made German the mandatory language Met Pope Pius VI in 1782

Pope Pius VI

A copy of a medal created during Joseph II’s reign to commemorate his religious tolerance

Opened parks and gardens to the public Abolished serfdom in 1781 Serfs could move away and get married as they please Founded hospitals Created orphanages Opened parks and gardens to the public

Obtained land from Poland in 1773 Created a defensive alliance with Russia He was married twice, but had no children

Joseph II (right) and his brother and successor, Leopold II (left)

Did Joseph II Do a Good Job? Disliked by clergy and nobility Institutions not created for good use for the community were dissolved (monasteries dissolved) Loved by the common people Created a much more free society

Group Work Pretend you are an absolute monarch In groups, you must determine the following: How would you rule? What laws would you have? What if they were broken? Would you have a palace? Would you have elections? Why or why not? Remember, if you are too harsh, there may be a revolution Include a picture and make sure everything is appropriate