Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II ruled Austria as enlightened despots. Maria Theresa, who reigned from 1740 to 1780, implemented significant reforms in administration, education, and the military. Her son, Joseph II, who ruled from 1780 to 1790, continued and expanded upon these reforms, focusing on religious tolerance, legal reforms, and the abolition of serfdom.
Enlightened despotism refers to the rule of monarchs who embraced Enlightenment ideas to modernize and improve their countries. Both Maria Theresa and Joseph II sought to strengthen the state and improve the lives of their subjects through rational and progressive policies.