Final answer:
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.