Joseph II (Holy Roman Emperor)

Joseph II was Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 to 1790 and a key figure of the Enlightenment. He aimed to modernize and reform the Empire, promoting religious tolerance, freedom of the press, and education. Joseph's policies included abolishing serfdom and introducing legal reforms to strengthen centralized government. He faced resistance from nobility and the Catholic Church, leading to mixed success in his reforms. Despite his intentions, many changes were reversed after his death. Joseph II is often remembered for his ambitious vision of progress and his struggle to balance tradition with modern governance.