A TALE OF TWO GERMANYS

1767


In the Year 1767 a smallpox epidemic struck the Habsburg domains. Many died, more became disfigured and not even the Archhouse escaped unscathed. The grieving Empress was one of the first victims of this disease. In a popular tale she died in the loving arms of her son and successor Joseph II the Reformer. The reality was different though. Joseph himself was suffering a mild case of smallpox. He was attended by his second wife Maria Josepha of Bavaria. While Joseph did not love Maria Josepha before, he did after – looking deep into her soul and seeing her deep love for him. Maria Josepha became a stabilizing factor in Josephs live. When his diaries became public it was no surprise to find that many of his ideas were radical at first but were tempered through the influence of Maria Josepha.





In 1768 a son and crown Prince (Franz) was born, 1769 twin daughters (Maria Isabella and Maria Antonia) followed. In 1771 another son (Maximilian) was born. The couple had a last child (Ferdinand) in 1775.



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1768





Joseph was also known as the “traveller”. As first servant of the state he wanted to know his realm and often took tours through parts of his lands, but visited foreign nations too. In 1768 travelling through Moravia he heard that Friedrich, King of Prussia was visiting a town in neighbouring Silesia. Being young and impulsive he took a horse assembled a small entourage and crossed into this former Austrian land. In the town of Neisse he met the Prussian King. The planned short visit became a longer stay. Joseph and Friedrich spent 8 weeks together. It can be speculated much of the events of the coming years were agreed on during this visit.

Polish aristocrats revolt against their king in attempt to limit Russian Influence in Poland. The revolt is watched with interest by the Austrian, Prussian and French rulers. All three have a common interest in limiting Russias growing power. After some initial successes, the Royal (loyal) Polish forces, supported by Russian troops, put the revolt more or less down.

In September tensions between Russia and the Ottoman Empire rise over a border incident caused by Cossacks. Russia backs down when Josef II threatens to support the Ottomans. Russia pays a small sum and the Cossack leader is sacked.


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Now this does look intriguing. Wonder how Josef will go about it getting absolute power (rather than being reined in by mother dearest as OTL) over a decade early. After all, she, Maria Theresia, said that she was "all that stopped him from accomplishing his madness". Also wonder how Josef is going to handle his unmarried sisters, or actually, all his siblings with the exception of Leopold are still single. He hated Leopold (all brain, no heart) and Ferdinand (ruled by his wife), and of his brothers, Max was the only one he tolerated (cares only for the hunt, his board (table) and cellar). As for his sisters, he disliked Maria Anna and Maria Elisabeth - so earlier to their convents in Prague and Innsbruck for them. Maria Christine was likewise a sore point (though none of her siblings could say they honestly liked her). The three Bourbon queens, Marias Amalie, Karoline and Antonia, he didn't have a high opinion of, although he was rather close to his namesake, Maria Josefa. His letters didn't spare them, at all.

Just two nitpicks, it's unlikely Josef will name a daughter from his second marriage Maria Theresia when he still had a Maria Theresia 'Titi' from his first marriage in 1769. And that said, post-1765, Josef's mother's not going to be referred to as the Empress - that's Josef's wife - but as Empress Dowager (since she held the imperial title jure uxoris not suo jure), or simply as the Queen of Hungary.
 
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Now this does look intriguing. Wonder how Josef will go about it getting absolute power (rather than being reined in by mother dearest as OTL) over a decade early. After all, she, Maria Theresia, said that she was "all that stopped him from accomplishing his madness". Also wonder how Josef is going to handle his unmarried sisters, or actually, all his siblings with the exception of Leopold are still single. He hated Leopold (all brain, no heart) and Ferdinand (ruled by his wife), and of his brothers, Max was the only one he tolerated (cares only for the hunt, his board (table) and cellar). As for his sisters, he disliked Maria Anna and Maria Elisabeth - so earlier to their convents in Prague and Innsbruck for them. Maria Christine was likewise a sore point (though none of her siblings could say they honestly liked her). The three Bourbon queens, Marias Amalie, Karoline and Antonia, he didn't have a high opinion of, although he was rather close to his namesake, Maria Josefa. His letters didn't spare them, at all.

Just two nitpicks, it's unlikely Josef will name a daughter from his second marriage Maria Theresia when he still had a Maria Theresia 'Titi' from his first marriage in 1769. And that said, post-1765, Josef's mother's not going to be referred to as the Empress - that's Josef's wife - but as Empress Dowager (since she held the imperial title jure uxoris not suo jure), or simply as the Queen of Hungary.

With Josep being more pragmatic, he will likely have a better relationship with Leopold, which I can only see as a good thing, as having Leopold as a sparing partner in the battle of ideas, could only help Joseph in getting ideas in how he could push his reforms through. He can also let Leopold try some of the reforms in Italy first.
 
Now this does look intriguing. Wonder how Josef will go about it getting absolute power (rather than being reined in by mother dearest as OTL) over a decade early. After all, she, Maria Theresia, said that she was "all that stopped him from accomplishing his madness". Also wonder how Josef is going to handle his unmarried sisters, or actually, all his siblings with the exception of Leopold are still single. He hated Leopold (all brain, no heart) and Ferdinand (ruled by his wife), and of his brothers, Max was the only one he tolerated (cares only for the hunt, his board (table) and cellar). As for his sisters, he disliked Maria Anna and Maria Elisabeth - so earlier to their convents in Prague and Innsbruck for them. Maria Christine was likewise a sore point (though none of her siblings could say they honestly liked her). The three Bourbon queens, Marias Amalie, Karoline and Antonia, he didn't have a high opinion of, although he was rather close to his namesake, Maria Josefa. His letters didn't spare them, at all.

Just two nitpicks, it's unlikely Josef will name a daughter from his second marriage Maria Theresia when he still had a Maria Theresia 'Titi' from his first marriage in 1769. And that said, post-1765, Josef's mother's not going to be referred to as the Empress - that's Josef's wife - but as Empress Dowager (since she held the imperial title jure uxoris not suo jure), or simply as the Queen of Hungary.

THX for the nitpicks - the daughter thing will be retconned , the Empress - technically you are right, but its more of a convenience thing - even today M-T is called the "Empress" (in Austria) though she technically wasn't.
 
1769





It is a quiet year regarding international politics. In hindsight this year sees the invention of a low pressure steam engine, an automobile like steam tractor (which is abandoned immediately after the first recorded traffic accident) and a better spinning frame and thus marks the beginning of the so called industrial revolution.





In the Habsburg lands Joseph is planning many reforms. Under the influence of his wife Joseph concentrates mainly in three projects: The codification of civil and criminal law, social matters and the reform of the army of the Habsburg lands. None of the projects will be finished in the near future, but work progresses in a steady way.





The Codex Josephus and Codex Criminalis will mark for the first time a formalized law that affects all subjects and has (in theory) no privileges for the aristocracy. Another cornerstone is the abolishment of servitude (much anger by the aristocracy) and the abolishment of the death penalty in civil law. The codices will be published in 1775 marking the tenth anniversary of the emperor.





In social matters the reforms include more the building of hospitals, (higher) schools and universities, orphanages. His “Toleranzpatente” give religious freedom to all Christians (thus orthodox and protestant believes are no longer a hindrance to get government posts) and Jews (the latter mostly because Jewish bankers are an important money source). Joseph fights a live long battle against the influence of the pope. (He limits religious orders to those that “contribute to the state”). But he also allows and helps the creation of additional parishes (paid by confiscated assets of “praying” orders – thus making priests into civil servants – sort of). While attendance to schools is mandatory to children, during harvest seasons schools are closed to free this source of labour.





In military matters Josephs reforms include mostly lessons learned by the Wars between 1740 - the War(s) of Austrian succession. In the attempt to create a professional officer (and NCO) corps military schools (for career soldiers) are created. This includes engineer schools (artillery, siege, and fortifications). Another path followed is the streamlining of the supply process. Soldiers on campaign should be supplied well all time. So the road network is expanded and depots are built all over the land. Soldiers crippled during their service either receive a (small) pension or are provided with a source of income (here the monopole on tobacco products and spirits provide the emperor with the means to give them small shops where they can sell those products for the emperor).





Overall Joseph dreams of centralising his lands and creating a civil servant class which makes him independent of aristocrats and the clergy.





While many of the reforms are aimed at the general welfare of the citizens, the citizens are not taking an active part in this. Joseph relies on an ever growing police force (including a secret police) to identify unwanted activity (criminal and political). Justice is swift and harsh on criminals and political agitators are quickly reigned in.





Joseph also promotes settlers (German) to remote places of his lands.





NOTE: Much/Most of this is basically OTL, but extremes are toned down (no common coffins), the speed of reforms is somewhat reduced, so overall the reforms will be more lasting. Joseph wants the best for his subjects, but he wants it his way. There is much resistance to some reforms. Overall the reforms will not change OTL too much – just enough to give the Monarchy a chance for the better.


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Viennas Allgemines Krankenhaus (general hospital) in 1784
 
1770


The fifth Ottoman Russian War


In 1770 the Ottoman Empire battled in the Caucasus region with the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakheti (Georgia). King Erekle II (Heraclius) asked the Russian general Totleben for support which he willingly granted only to betray the king. Despite the Russian betrayal the Georgians were able to repel the Turkish invasion. During the conflict a Tartar raid uncovered letters from king Erekle to General Totleben which indicated Russian involvement. Ottoman diplomatic efforts led to growing tensions which led to a mutual declaration of war in late fall of 1770. Some skirmishes were fought – especially between Cossack and Krim Tartar forces, but not big battle occurred this year.

The French Dauphine (later Louis XVI) and Maria Antonia of Austria were married per procuratorem in Vienna. As Maria Antonia was only 15 years old Joseph allowed her to stay in Vienna for another year before she had to leave for Paris. It is said Joseph and Maria Josepha prepared her for her role as Queen of France in this year.


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