Josephinism

(noun)

The collective domestic policies of Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor (1765–1790). During the ten years in which Joseph was the sole ruler of the Habsburg Monarchy (1780–1790), he attempted to legislate a series of drastic reforms to remodel Austria in the form of the ideal Enlightened state. This provoked severe resistance from powerful forces within and outside of his empire.

Related Terms

Examples of Josephinism in the following topics:

  • Napoleon's Marriage to Josephine

    • Josephine met Napoleon, six years her junior, in 1795.
    • Napoleon was enamored with Josephine, with whom he had a passionate affair.
    • In January 1796, Bonaparte proposed to Josephine and they married in March.
    • Until meeting Bonaparte, Josephine was known as Rose, but Bonaparte preferred to call her Josephine, the name she adopted from then on.
    • Both Josephine and Napoleon read a statement of devotion to the other.

  • Joseph II and Domestic Reform

    • Josephinism (or Josephism), as his policies were called, is notable for the very wide range of reforms designed to modernize the creaky empire in an era when France and Prussia were rapidly advancing.
    • He expected government servants to all be dedicated agents of Josephinism and selected them without favor for class or ethnic origins.
    • Josephinism made many enemies inside the empire—from disaffected ecclesiastical authorities to noblemen.

  • Flappers

    • Celebrated singer Josephine Baker dances The Charleston, one of the novelty dances that swept pop culture in the 1920s.

  • Women in American Politics

    • The National Association of Colored Women, founded in 1896 by Josephine St.