The Patent of Toleration was a critical legislative act approved by Emperor Joseph II of the Habsburg Empire. This decree marked a significant shift in the religious landscape of Austria, allowing for limited freedom of worship among Protestant and Eastern Orthodox communities, who had previously faced considerable restrictions. The Patent was part of Joseph II's broader reform agenda, as he sought to modernize the empire in accordance with Enlightenment principles that favored individual rights and religious tolerance. This initiative emerged from a combination of personal conviction and political pragmatism, as Joseph recognized the need to unify the empire's diverse population through religious coexistence rather than conflict. The Patent was accompanied by regulations on how these religious groups could practice their faith openly, including the right to maintain schools and religious services, although it did not grant full equality with the Roman Catholic Church, which remained the state religion.

Implementation of the Patent faced mixed reactions, and while it enhanced the lives of many non-Catholics, full acceptance remained a challenge in some regions. Over time, the Patent of Toleration and subsequent reforms laid the groundwork for further advancements in civil rights and religious freedom within the Austrian Empire. The decree was a reflection of the shifting attitudes toward religion at the time, influenced by the broader trends of the Enlightenment.