Joseph II: Volume 1, In the Shadow of Maria Theresa, 1741–1780

This volume describes the claustrophobic atmosphere, in which Joseph was trained to rule, and his attempts after 1765 as co-regent with his formidable mother.

Derek Beales (Author)

9780521525886, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 May 2008

568 pages, 38 b/w illus. 1 colour illus. 4 maps
23.3 x 15.5 x 2.9 cm, 0.806 kg

The emperor Joseph II (1741–90) tried to carry through something like a 'revolution from above' in the vast, varied, and mainly backward provinces of the Austrian Monarchy. This volume carries the story down to 1780. It describes the claustrophobic atmosphere, in which Joseph was trained to rule, his tragic marriages, and his attempts after 1765 as co-regent with his formidable mother, empress Maria Theresa, to dictate the domestic and foreign policy of the monarchy. The author shows that previous historians have been deceived by false sources and that the picture they have given of the emperor, his strange character, his tempestuous relationship with his mother, and his political aims, needs drastic revision.

List of plates
List of maps and figures
Preface
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. The Austrian succession
2. Upbringing and education
3. Marriages, 1760–1767
4. Introduction to government, 1760–1765
5. King of the Romans and Holy Roman Emperor, 1764–1780
6. Mother, son and minister: the early years of the co-regency, 1765–1768
7. The later years of the co-regency, 1768–1780: the royal family and the central administration
8. Early travels: the Banat and Italy, 1768–1769
9. Foreign policy during the co-regency: I. The eastern question, 1765–1776
10. The man
11. Bohemia: travel and reform, 1769–1777
12. Further travels: eastern provinces and France, 1773–1777
13. Foreign policy during the co-regency: II. War and diplomacy, 1776–1780
14. Joseph and Josephism under Maria Theresa
Conclusion
Bibliography
Bibliographical index
General index.

Subject Areas: Early modern history: c 1450/1500 to c 1700 [HBLH], European history [HBJD]