Joseph II Book

JOSEPH II BY KEY. J. FRAJSTCK BRIGHT, D. D MASTER OF UNIVEBSITY COLLEGE, OXFORD MACMILLAET AND CO, LIMIT SEW YORK THE MACMILLAK COMPANY -1905 J. U rights reserved Fini Edition iSg. Reprinted 1903 PREFATOBY NOTE IT was found convenient, for reasons set forth in the Prefatory Xote to Maria Theresa, to treat the reigns of Maria Theresa and her son Joseph as a continuous period. Hence the present volume is a direct continua tion of Maria Theresa. CONTENTS CHAPTER I THE PARTITION OF POLAND 1763-1769 Maria Theresas position after the Seven Years War Her love of peace Death of Augustus III. of Poland Question of the Succession Election of Stanislaus Friendly approaches between Austria and Prussia, for the purpose of checking Russian encroachments in Poland Suggested meeting between Joseph and Frederick AVar breaks out between Eussia and Turkey Threatening character of the Russian successes Kaunitz suggests a new system of alliances It is rejected by Joseph The first meeting between Joseph and Frederick at Neisse, 1769 It is without result On the Turkish request for a joint intervention from Austria and Prussia, a second meeting is held at Neustadt, in which Kaunitz takes part It is left to Frederick to check the advances of Russia . Page 1 CHAPTER II THE PARTITION OF POLAKD continued 1770-1773 The three lines of policy taken by Maria Theresa, Joseph, and Kaunitz Josephs is practically adopted Consequent i JOSEPH II convention with TurkeyAustrian occupation of Zips The unreality of Austrias warlike attitude confessed by Maria Theresa Many suggestion made by Katmitz Frederick suggests a partition of Poland Maria Theresa shrinks from it, and suggests other terms Frederick induces the Czarina to agrpc to itAustria accepts it The Polish consent is obtained The Treaty of Partition Character of the three rulers of Austria ab illustrated by it Page 26 CHAPTER III THE srWT. ERMON OF THE JESUITS 176 5-1777 Depressed position of the Papacy Conciliatory action of Benedict XIV. postpones a crisis The Bourbon courts attack the JesuitsClement XIII. supports the Order The Bourbons demand the co-operation of Maria Theresa Her modified adhesion to their demand Accession of Clement XIY., an avowed eneruy of the Jesuits Maria Theresa accepts the brief for the suppression of the Order Kaunitzs opinion as to reforms required iu the Church Maria Theresa leaves them to be carried out by her son Her educational reforms . 55 CHAPTER IV DIFFICULTIES OF THE CO-REGENCY 1773-1777 Acquisition of the Bucovina Acquisitive character of Joseph His rough refusal of Kaunitzs advice Kaunitz resigns, December 1773 - Maria Theresa refuses his resignation Josephs impatience at the defects of the Council of State an additional reason for the chancellors resignation Joseph resigns, January 1774 Maria Theresa persuades him to become reconciled with Kaunitz Outbreaks of the peasantry in Bohemia Divided feelings of Maria Theresa on the matter CONTEXTS ix She oilers to resign, May 1775 Joseph and Kaunitz differ as to the treatment of the peasantry Maria Theresa disapproves of Josephs reforming principles He again threatens to resign, December 1775 Kaunitz again resigns. March 1776 Maria Theresa contrives to smooth over the quarrel Final settlement of the status of the peasant . . ...Read More