Joseph II: Volume 2, Against the World, 1780–1790

This book is the second and final volume of Derek Beales's magisterial biography of the emperor Joseph II.

Derek Beales (Author)

9781107616264, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 September 2013

754 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 4.2 cm, 1.09 kg

'… a magisterial study of the Austrian monarchy and continental Europe in the second half of the eighteenth century.' Francia-Recensio

This second and final volume of Derek Beales's magisterial biography of the emperor Joseph II describes the period when he was sole ruler of the Austrian monarchy. Influenced partly by Enlightenment ideals, Joseph relaxed censorship, introduced wide-ranging religious toleration and fostered a 'new Catholicism' whilst Mozart's music, the greatest cultural achievement of his reign, owed much to Joseph's patronage. He also abolished personal serfdom and diminished the nobles' power, seeking to achieve full personal control over all his provinces. Opposition became serious when his hyperactive foreign policy landed him in war against the Turks, and he died with his Belgian provinces in rebel hands and Hungary threatened by revolt and invasion. Though these pressures forced Joseph to withdraw some of his measures, Derek Beales argues that he left an indelible mark on the history of all his lands, which now form part of fifteen modern states.

Introduction
1. Joseph, his ministers, the court and the constitution
2. The first six months: Josephism intensified (29 November 1780 to 22 May 1781)
3. Foreign policy and the Russian alliance, 1780–2
4. Joseph's visit to Belgium, the Dutch Republic and France, May–August 1781
5. Toleration of Protestants, Greek Orthodox and Jews
6. The Pope's visit to Vienna (22 March–22 April 1782)
7. Joseph and the peasants, 1780–1785/6
8. Josephism rampant I: monasteries, general seminaries and parishes
9. Josephism rampant II: lay education and a new Catholicism
10. 'The Lion's Claws Bared', 1782–4
11. Foreign policy, 1782–6: The Scheldt, the 'Greek Project' and the Crimea, the Dutch 'War' and the Bavarian Exchange
12. Joseph as Emperor
13. Joseph in Vienna: his routine and his impact, especially on music
14. 'Just One Body, Uniformly Governed': Hungary, the Tyrol, Italy and Belgium, 1784–7
15. Joseph's Enlightenment: freemasonry, law reform and police
16. War against the Turks, August 1787–December 1788
17. Rebellion, victory and death, January 1789–February 1790
Conclusion.

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