Question

What does it mean that Joseph II ended censorship by allowing a free press and attempted to bring the Catholic Church under royal control.​

Answer 1

Joseph II's reforms meant allowing uninhibited public discourse through a free press and diminishing the Catholic Church's influence by attempting to place it under royal control as part of his enlightenment-driven agenda.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Joseph II ended censorship and allowed a free press, he took significant steps towards liberal reform by encouraging the exchange and dissemination of ideas without the interference of the state or church. His goal was to illuminate the minds of his subjects through enlightenment principles, which meant that the press could freely publish thoughts and information without fear of government repercussions. The attempt to bring the Catholic Church under royal control was also a stride toward centralizing his power, reducing the Church's influence over secular matters, and consolidating state authority, a concept dating back to struggles like the investiture controversy where secular rulers sought to appoint church officials, which the Church ultimately gained control over. This reform was influenced by the long history of the Catholic Church as a dominant force in Europe, often intertwining with politics and governance, as seen in the actions of Pope Leo III anointing Charlemagne as the head of the Holy Roman Empire. By challenging the entrenched power of the Church, Joseph II sought to promote a different structure of governance during his reign, reflecting the changes and tensions of his time.

Answer 2

Joseph II was a Holy Roman Emperor who reigned from 1765 to 1790. During his reign, he implemented several significant reforms, including ending censorship and attempting to bring the Catholic Church under royal control.

Ending Censorship:
Joseph II believed that the free exchange of ideas was essential for the progress of society. He saw censorship as a hindrance to this progress and believed that it limited the ability of individuals to express their opinions and ideas freely. To this end, he allowed the press to operate freely, which meant that journalists could publish articles and opinions without fear of censorship or punishment.

This new freedom of the press led to an explosion of new ideas and opinions being expressed in print. Newspapers and other publications became popular, and people began to discuss politics, religion, and social issues more openly. This newfound freedom of expression helped to shape public opinion and paved the way for future reforms.

Bringing the Catholic Church under Royal Control:
Joseph II was also deeply committed to reforming the Catholic Church in his empire. He believed that the Church had become too powerful and that its influence needed to be curbed. To this end, he attempted to bring the Church under royal control.

One of his most significant reforms was the Edict of Tolerance, which granted religious freedom to non-Catholic Christians and Jews in his empire. This edict was a significant departure from previous policies, which had discriminated against non-Catholics.

Joseph II also attempted to limit the power of the Pope within his empire. He issued several decrees that restricted the authority of bishops and other church officials, placing them under closer scrutiny by royal authorities. These measures were deeply unpopular with many Catholics, who saw them as an attack on their faith.

In conclusion, Joseph II's decision to end censorship and attempt to bring the Catholic Church under royal control were two significant reforms that had far-reaching consequences for his empire. They helped pave the way for greater freedom of expression and religious tolerance in Austria and set the stage for future reforms.