The reigns of Maria-Theresa (1740-80) and her son Joseph II (1780-90), Holy Roman Emperor and coregent from 1765, are characterized by enlightened rule.

Influenced by the ideas of eighteenth-century Enlightenment philosophers, Maria-Theresa and Joseph work toward rational and efficient administration of the Bohemian Kingdom.

In this respect, they oppose regional privilege and the rights of the estates and prefer to rule through a centrally controlled imperial bureaucracy.

At the same time, they institute reforms to eliminate the repressive features of the Counter-Reformation and to permit secular social progress.