!!!Josephinismus

Josephinism, historical concept referring to a particular development 
in Austria in 18%%sup th/% -century Europe; the term derives from 
Emperor  Joseph II and his form of enlightened despotism, and 
refers mainly to his reforms. Early forms are to be found in Maria 
Theresia´s administrative reforms of 1749. In the forefront was 
the principle of usefulness for state and society. Josephinism led 
(primarily) to numerous reforms in law, administration, education, 
culture, and, in particular, to far-reaching changes in the Catholic 
Church, reducing its sphere of influence and tightening its 
organisation. Joseph II granted tolerance to other religious 
denominations and permitted the peoples of the empire (Czechs, 
Slovenians, Serbs, and Hungarians) to develop their own languages and 
literatures. The ideas of Josephinism affected the nobility as well as 
the bourgeoisie and were also endorsed by parts of the clergy. In the 
19%%sup th/%  century, Josephinism characterised the attitude of the 
ruling classes toward the state - in particular government officials 
and army officers - until the fall of the monarchy.

!Literature
E. Winter, Der Josephinismus und seine Geschichte, 1943; 
F. Valjavec, Der Josephinismus, 1945; F. Maass, Der Josephinismus, 5 
vols., 1951-1961; H. Reinalter (ed.), Der Josephinismus, 1993; H. 
Klueting (ed.), Der Josephinismus, 1995.


%%language
[Back to the Austrian Version|AEIOU/Josephinismus|class='wikipage austrian']
%%

[{FreezeArticle author='AEIOU' template='Lexikon_1995_englisch'}]
[{ALLOW view All}][{ALLOW comment All}][{ALLOW edit FreezeAdmin}]