Joseph I.

Joseph I., emperor of Germany, the eldest son of Leopold I., born at Vienna, 26th July 1678, was crowned king of Hungary in 1689, and king of the Romans in 1690, became emperor in 1705, and died on 17th April 1711. Holding opinions more liberal than those which have generally prevailed in his family, he granted privileges to the Protestants of his dominions, especially in Silesia. In alliance with Britain, he prosecuted actively and successfully the war of the Spanish succession against France. Another favourite scheme of his was the appropriation of Bavaria.