Joseph II was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 to 1790 and a key figure of the Enlightenment. He was known for his ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing the empire, including religious tolerance, the abolition of serfdom, and the promotion of education. His policies sought to centralize power and reduce the influence of the nobility and the Catholic Church. Despite his progressive ideas, many of Joseph's reforms faced resistance and were not fully implemented. His attempts to unify the diverse cultures within the Austrian Empire often led to unrest. After his death, many of his reforms were rolled back by his successors.