Co-Authored By:
Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor
| Joseph II | |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Francis I |
| Successor | Leopold II |
| Co-monarch | Maria Theresa |
| King of the Romans | |
Then, did Joseph II support the arts?
Joseph II was influenced by enlightenment ideas by working for the betterment of his country. He abolished serfdom and establish a strong, weel based country. His reforms are still sence today around that world, such as freedom of press,and no more serfdom, he also emancipated the jews and supported the arts (1).
In this way, did Joseph II protect freedom of speech?
The monarchy's finances were balanced. The reorganization of the army secured Joseph's position in Europe. He ordered the abolition of serfdom; by the Edict of Toleration he established religious equality before the law, and he granted freedom of the press.
His mother made some changes that Joseph supported, such as an expansion of elementary education in the 1770s. But Maria Theresa objected to the idea of religious tolerance and refused to institute reforms that Joseph, a disciple of the Enlightenment, desperately wanted.