While some monasteries were simply abolished, and their property retained by the Crown or by the King's favorites, others remained in the Church of England as collegiate foundations, including cathedrals and royal peculiars, staffed by secular clergy.
The government saw this land as a perfect opportunity to gain wealth and increase the holdings of the nobility.
Many middlemen were involved in the acquisition of the properties because the church excommunicated the auctioneers and buyers.
[3] Josephinism in Austria refers to the actions of Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, and the transformation of the Catholic Church as subservient to the monarchy.
The French Revolution brought about a period of extremity and conflict among traditional royalists, and enlightened liberals.
Joseph II had a strong aversion for monasteries that he viewed as not contributing positively to society, although he was a Catholic.
Monasteries, land, property titles, and authority were stripped from the princes and religious leaders of these German states.