His Majesty Joseph II of Austria: Holy Roman Emperor (mar 13, 1741 – feb 20, 1790)

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co-regent with his mother, Maria Theresa, in 1765, and sole ruler in 1780. During his time in power, Joseph issued decrees that promoted equality and education, but the speed and scope of his reforms led to problems for him and his empire.

- Embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment
- freed the serfs
- religious toleration for all
- freedom of expression, press, etc.
- had laws that limited the censorship of scholars and scientists
- built public hospitals
- parents had to send their kids to public school or pay higher taxes
- abolished the special rights of ecclesiastical courts
- believed that all people are equal abolished the death penalty and torture
- built hospitals
- angered the nobles so much, that after he died everything was reversed, serfdom was established, etc.

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