Joseph II of Austria

Joseph II was Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of Austria from 1765 to 1790, known for his ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing and centralizing government. He sought to reduce the power of the church, improve education, and promote religious tolerance and legal equality. His policies often faced resistance because they disrupted traditional structures, and some reforms were reversed after his death. Despite controversy, Joseph II is remembered as a reform-minded monarch who aimed to create a more rational and efficient state, influencing later ideas of enlightened governance.