Joseph II was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 until his death in 1790. He was the son of Maria Theresa, the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, and he aimed to modernize and centralize the empire. Joseph II is known for his ambitious reforms, including the abolition of serfdom and the promotion of religious tolerance. His reign was marked by efforts to reduce the power of the nobility and the influence of the Catholic Church. Joseph II implemented various administrative changes, such as simplifying the legal system and promoting education. Despite his intentions, many of his reforms faced resistance and were only partially successful.