Joseph II vs Mindon Min

Joseph II attempted to exchange the Austrian Netherlands for Bavaria, triggering the War of the Bavarian Succession against Prussia. The conflict, known as the 'Potato War,' ended with the Treaty of Teschen in 1779, which prevented the exchange and left Joseph's ambitions unfulfilled.

Joseph II issued the Serfdom Patent, abolishing serfdom in the Habsburg hereditary lands. Peasants were granted personal freedom, the right to marry without seigneurial permission, and the ability to move freely, though they still owed labor obligations to landlords.

Joseph II issued the Edict of Toleration, granting religious freedom to non-Catholic Christians, including Protestants and Orthodox, in the Habsburg monarchy. Jews also received limited civil rights. This was a major step toward religious pluralism in a Catholic state.

Joseph II dissolved over 700 monasteries that were deemed non-contributory to society, using their wealth to fund education, hospitals, and other state institutions. This secularization policy provoked strong opposition from the Catholic Church and conservative nobles.

Mindon Min initiated a series of modernization reforms, including the establishment of a modern mint, the introduction of telegraph and postal systems, the construction of roads and canals, and the reorganization of the army along Western lines. He also invited European advisors to the court.

Mindon Min ascended the throne after overthrowing his half-brother Pagan Min in a palace coup. He immediately sought peace with the British, ending the Second Anglo-Burmese War (which had started in 1852) and accepting the loss of Lower Burma.

Mindon Min founded the new royal capital of Mandalay and constructed the Mandalay Palace, a vast walled complex. The move from Amarapura to Mandalay was part of his efforts to create a modern capital and assert royal authority.

Mindon Min signed a commercial treaty with the British, opening Burma to trade and allowing a British resident in Mandalay. The treaty recognized British control of Lower Burma and established a framework for diplomatic relations, but also increased British influence.

Mindon Min convened the Fifth Buddhist Council in Mandalay, a major religious event attended by thousands of monks. The council aimed to purify and standardize the Pali canon. The text was inscribed on 729 marble slabs at the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the world's largest book.