Kaunitz and enlightened absolutism, 1753-1780 / Franz A.J. Szabo.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Szabo, Franz A. J., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Kaunitz-Rietberg, Wenzel Anton, Fürst, 1711-1794.

Kaunitz-Rietberg, Wenzel Anton.

Austria--History--Maria Theresa, 1740-1780.

Austria.

Austria--Politics and government--1740-1780.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xviii, 380 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Other Title:

Kaunitz & Enlightened Absolutism 1753-1780

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 1994.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This is the first major archivally based study of the political career of Wenzel Anton Kaunitz, State Chancellor of the Habsburg Monarchy from 1753 to 1792. Author of the diplomatic revolution of 1756 and brilliant foreign minister of the Austrian Empire, Kaunitz was also the most important statesman in the development of enlightened absolutism in central Europe. Virtually the third head of state under Maria Theresia and Joseph II, he was the driving force behind the many reforms which sought to modernise the monarchy. Using Kaunitz as a focus, the author explores the dynamic of the development of enlightened absolutism in the Habsburg Empire through its most influential proponent and spokesman. Enlightened absolutism in the Habsburg Monarchy produced some of the boldest innovations in eighteenth-century Europe, and this book analyses the full complexity of the decision-making process.

Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Chancellor of State

3. The structure of government

4. The financial crises of the Monarchy

5. The transformation of society

6. Church and state

7. The military albatross

8. The problem of Hungary

9. Conclusion.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 05 Oct 2015).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780511523489

0511523483

Publisher Number:

2027/heb32395 hdl