Joseph II.
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born March 13, 1741, Vienna
died Feb. 20, 1790, Vienna
Holy Roman emperor (1765-90), at first co-ruler with his mother, Maria Theresa (1765-80), and then sole ruler (1780-90) of the Austrian Habsburg dominions. An "enlightened despot," he sought to introduce administrative, legal, economic, and ecclesiastical reforms—with only measured success.
Copyright © 1994-2002 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Sources
- Encylopedia Britannica 2002, Expanded Edition DVD
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