Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Wangermann, Ernst

Titel

Josephinian reforms and enlightenment aspirations

Ist Teil von

• Jewish culture and history, 2012-11, Vol.13 (2-3), p.194-202

Ort / Verlag

Routledge

Erscheinungsjahr

2012

Quelle

Taylor & Francis Journals Auto-Holdings Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Eighteenth-century historians no longer refer to the sovereign rulers of the epoch of 'Enlightened Absolutism' as Philosopher Kings and Revolutionary Emperors. But the relationship between the objectives and reforms undertaken by these rulers and the aspirations of those who felt attracted to the perspectives and principles of Enlightenment requires close investigation. This article considers the complex and constantly changing relationship between the objectives and reforms of Joseph II, and the advice offered by his Chancellor and Councillor of State Kaunitz, who was a resolute and consistent advocate of Enlightenment principles. Kaunitz's influence was paramount at certain times and in certain areas of policy, but at other times and in other areas of policy he was ignored or dramatically set aside.